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You need courage
Pastor's corner
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From the moment I read Philippians 1: 20-21, I knew this verse would be my “new standard.”
It is the Scripture that God used to challenge me and ultimately change me. It has become the instigator for how I wanted to live my life for Christ.
Here is the passage: “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Extreme, right? Wrong. This would be the norm for the early Christians. This wasn’t an extreme point of view; this is what they called life — a life committed and devoted to Jesus Christ with no shame or apologies.
Their courageousness was a derivative of grace, not arrogance. It was defined through their assuredness in the relationship they held in the most esteem.
Pride had no place in this boldness; it was with a confident humility that they lived their lives. Not concerning themselves with proving anyone wrong but only to concern themselves with a gospel that possessed power to set the captives free.
Judging was left to God, but loving their neighbors was what God asked of them.
A shortage of words isn’t something that’s part of our vocabulary. However, a shortage of action ignited by what we “believe” is rare. Debating is only an educated argument and has no ability to change unless legitimized by action.
Our actions, fueled by our passion in Jesus Christ, have the ability to ignite a change in the world we live, but it takes courage motivated by Christ.
Do you have sufficient courage?

Darsey is the pastor of Restoration Church and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.

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