Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Irena Sendler. Oskar Schindler. The martyrs of Hebrews 11. These are just a few of the people I revere as being courageous. They fought against the current of public sentiment in their culture. They defied evil intentions of their governments. They were not afraid to put their lives on the line for what they believed was right.
And so it was also for the shepherd boy, David. He chronicled the enemies he fought and conquered. I will crush the lion and the cobra, the great lion and the serpent. (Psalm 91:13). As a shepherd, David was responsible for the safety of his sheep. And when he faced Goliath, he reminded the giant that he had already killed lions and bears. Slaying a giant was not impossible.
To apply the scripture of Psalm 91 to our daily lives, we need only look as far as our living rooms and the TV screen that keeps us updated. Everywhere around us, we discern evil forces. Crime. Immorality. Greed. Cruelties heaped on those considered ‘less than.’ Wars and rumors of wars. Even some government officials who refuse to speak out against the evil intentions of leaders. The repetitive cycle of history reminding us we are no better than those who came before us.
Pat Kahnke, a retired pastor, offers podcasts titled ‘Culture, Faith, and Politics’ https://www.youtube.com/@culturefaithandpolitics that leave me reflecting on what my role as a writer who follows the teachings of Jesus should be.
“Defend the vulnerable and speak the truth,” Pastor Kahnke declares. A worthy battle cry.
But as more and more of our freedoms are teetering on the precipice of destruction, I wonder who is monitoring my words. How will they be perceived? As a writer exercising free speech or as a traitor of the current culture? Do I have the courage to risk my very life and livelihood for what I believe Jesus would direct me to do? Am I willing to lose friendships, disrupt family dynamics, and watch the book sales obliterated that provide me with groceries?
A thorough study of scripture reminds us that life on this earth will not necessarily improve. As we move closer toward Armageddon, Jesus followers may indeed face even more persecution. Sadly, from those we once worshipped with or spent holidays with. From the institutions we once trusted and supported. Even from those who taught us scripture but now interpret it from a political viewpoint.
I find myself struggling against the desire to be more like Bonhoeffer, Sendler, and King David while at the same time challenged by the fear of what that may require of me. Still, I know the danger of just sitting back and settling. Of hiding behind the safety of “I’ll just pray about it” without doing anything more courageous. Thus, I describe myself these days as being part pacifist, part coward.
Every day, I pray for the faith leaders of the USA and countries around the world. That they will use their positions of power to speak the truth and defend the vulnerable. That they will not be afraid to preach what Jesus lived, even if the members of their congregations revolt. Deception digs a deep hole within the spiritual fabric of our belief systems. We can all easily become just as angry and warped as the crowd that cried, “Crucify him!”
If each of us leaves the answer only to the faith leaders, hoping that the hidden evils of the current agenda will somehow go away — then we are just as guilty as those who despise the disabled, rape the women, and defy the law. We will have only ourselves to blame and live in regret when we read the history books of how Americans allowed themselves to be taken captive.
So I continue to pray, seek the scriptures, and ask God to equip me with the words needed to fight deception. To hope that my last breath will not be one of regret, of keeping silence when I could have shared the words that underscored the values Jesus taught.
To live as a believer of Micah 6:8. To ask myself what Jesus would do. Then answer authentically, even vulnerably. With courage.
©2025 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
Image attribution: Alexas_Fotos / Pixabay
Check out the courageous story of Abigail in No Visible Scars.
Thank you for these encouraging words! I am so thankful for a pastor who boldly teaches the Word of God every Sunday. Sadly this is becoming more rare.
Thank you for the comment, Lavon. Yes, grateful for pastors like yours who speak the truth.
Courage is never without fear. It is looking tat he worst that can happen and moving ahead anyway. Part of that process is taking a deep look at what we believe as Christians and why we believe it. And, part of that process is seeking the wisdom of knowing when to speak and when not to speak. And finally, we must be humble as we walk with our God, but run toward seeking justice for all of His children.
Wonderful insights, Ginger. Thank you!
All but one of Jesus’ disciples died for their beliefs and willingness to follow Christ’s teachings. Thousands of others died in Rome and its territories because of their beliefs. One thing that supported me when it looked as if I would be involved with war with the USSR in 1961/62 was that my life was a small sacrifice in the attempt to overcome evil. Jesus taught us to love and value one another, yet many of the American church organizations that advertise themselves as Christian use that platform to infiltrate our allegiances and distort our loyalties. I stand for the actual teachings of Jesus Christ. And will not stand for those who deceive and obfuscate for their own benefit and devious goals.
Thanks for that encouragement and speaking of truth, Stu.
Thank you for disclosing these honest wrestlings of soul. Ditto. May compassion, courage, and generous loads of discernment mark our paths.
Amen, Jerry. Amen.