The importance of courage to ones Christian walk, and more on family and romance are topics, today. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Ryan M” (Level 1 with 125 points, a member since January 30, 2007) posted the following:
Why is courage so important in a Christ-follower’s life?
THE BATTLE AXE: Family and Romance? (10/13/2012)—Family as a social institution used by men is not the same as family when used as a divine spiritual tool. Issues we now know as incest, property rights, and sibling rivalry were not known during Adam’s lifetime. Thus, the account of Abel slain by his brother Cain actually centers on the acceptable models of priesthood and sacrifice provided from heaven for the earth, and to all mankind. Today, in the United States, most communities provide children and family courts to resolve the many conflicts, and disputes that occur among those bound together through blood and law. Earlier, order and structure within families as well as among and between families was on the basis of individual skills, animal instinct, and personal power, rather than mechanisms for impartiality such as courts and law. Many continue to practice the “old ways,” however they encounter increasing opposition. Among Christian believers, such scriptural and unwritten rules continue to be observed, including (1) all must encourage, and nourish the integrity and soundness of body, mind and spirit for every member of the family as for themselves; (2) just as sexual intimacy is forbidden, and the “privacy” of others are to be protected, violence against ones parents, brothers, sisters and other family is outlawed; (3) none will hinder, meddle with or oppress other family members to block their success, deny their faith, suppress their spiritual growth, or cut off fulfillment of their chosen duties; and (4) one may become distanced from family through time and space, however, the bond is to be respected by all as unbreakable even by death. The spirit content of blood is being and life. The spirit content of law is divine will and truth. The spirit content of marriage is union. Just as all are made free from sin by death, all are made free from marriage, law, family and commitment. Through the mechanisms of duty and inheritance, the bond of family continues in effect, transcending blood and law, and is anchored in shared truth.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (Psalms 27: 9-14, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012); On Being Careful (02/13/2012); Grounded In Love (12/13/2011); About Zeal (02/17/2011); Awesomeness? (12/19/2010); Born With Sin? (12/20/2010)
Here are some thoughts shared among mature Christian believers:
For many “courage” means a state of emotion where one does not feel anxiety, fear, nervousness or worry. Apprehension is not present, where one anticipates damage, disgrace, loss, or pain; and so, one feels free and uninhibited when approaching duty, or life challenges and problems. As an emotion, courage is temporal; it only lasts for a time; and it comes and goes. For those just beginning to investigate and learn the things of GOD through Christ, courage is necessary as a form of strength that fosters dialogue, learning and reflection. Many questions must be posed, and one must be willing to expose the depth of their own beliefs and understandings.
For the believer who has been reborn through baptism, the need is not for courage and emotion; instead, there must be “holy boldness,” balance, and “fear of the Lord.” Like faith, joy, humility and wrath against sin, holy boldness is a content of divine being (sometimes we say “divine DNA”), and is inseparable from other sacred substance such as holiness, righteousness, truth and wisdom. The imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD must be present that makes possible a believers approach and entrance into the Divine Presence.
“Fear of the Lord” is reverence, right respect, and the correct awareness of GOD called “awe”. Access to GOD begins with things that are impersonal and remote such as doctrine, law, proclamation and Scripture. Needed strength to approach sovereign truths that are invisible and otherwise unknown are supplied through the ministry of Jesus, that equip and prepare believers for personal experiences of GOD, including healing, prayer, and prophetic visions.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, “the fearful” (also called “cowards”) are classed with idolaters, murderers, sorcerers, whoremongers, the unbelieving, and all liars (see Revelation 21: 7-8, KJV). Christian belief is not a matter of “gambling” or foolish risk-taking; however, there are many unseen attackers and unexpected enemies, a darkness that opposes spiritual growth, that may be described as “facing the unknown”.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
No comments:
Post a Comment