Courage and Cowardice
Courage and Cowardice
by Traylor Lovvorn
“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable,
as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters,
and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with
fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)
I was introduced to HBO’s “Band of Brothers” a few months ago by one of the guys in my small group. He and a number of other guys in the group often referred to the show, so I figured I should check it out. I was immediately moved by the genuine brotherhood among these men that had been literally forged in foxholes all over Europe.
After watching two gripping episodes, I was struck by the incredible courage that these men displayed over and over again in combat. In scene after scene these men jumped out of the safety of their foxholes with mortars, bullets, and shrapnel flying all around them. In the middle of total chaos, with life and death literally hanging in the balance, they acted courageously.
I will most likely never see combat like that first-hand. I will never really know how I would have responded had I been a part of Easy Company. Would I have courageously stepped out of my foxhole, or would I have found myself on the ground in the fetal position, frozen by fear?
Each of us, however, does have situations that summon courage in us everyday, just like the men in Easy Company. While live ammo might not be whizzing by our heads and the situation might not be life and death, courage is called for nonetheless. In the verse in Revelation, it is interesting that “cowardly” made this list of what most would consider “big” sins. No one would argue that murderers, the sexually immoral, idolaters, and the detestable fit into this category, but when is the last time you heard a sermon on cowardice?
The root of the word used for cowardice in Revelation 21:8 means “to fear or dread.” How often have we failed to step into difficult situations with courage because we feared and tried to avoid potential conflict? Often we even sanctify our cowardice and feel good about ourselves simply because conflict was averted.
Conflict avoidance is not the goal of the Christian life and does not equate to righteous living. Most often, trying to avoid conflict is rooted in cowardice and fear. Jesus, the only perfect individual to ever live, did not walk around trying to keep peace with everyone around Him. On the contrary, He often created conflict with the Pharisees, even going so far as to call them some pretty strong names at times.
Many men in the Church today are trying to follow “gentle Jesus, meek and mild” and honestly don’t know what it looks like to assertively stand up with godly courage. Due to the fear of stepping out-of-bounds with their behavior, they have opted to sit passively on the sidelines and fold their hands nicely in their laps and simply stay out of trouble.
In light of this, it is no wonder that the use of internet pornography is reaching epidemic proportions, even among Christians. In my life and ministry, this is a growing issue. (More of my testimony is at my blog site.) Pornography is the ultimate act of cowardice in that there is no risk, it is always on our terms, and can be easily hidden. Intimacy with our spouse, on the other hand, requires the courage to pursue and the possibility of rejection.
The answer is not found with more accountability or more discipline, although those aren’t bad things at all. We must be honest about our fear of the unknown and how much we want to be in control and abandon ourselves to the big story that God wants to tell with our lives. He is calling us to a loving, intimate relationship and wants us to join Him in this great adventure. As Romans 8:15 says:
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Because we are beloved sons and daughters of a Daddy who is good, we can live boldly and courageously as the assertive, passionate, loving men and women we were created to be. Even in areas unrelated to pornography, courage is a critical component of the Christian walk. We must be bold in our faith, uncompromising in our values and a light in a dark world.
This Week
Identify the fear and cowardice that has kept you living safely in your foxhole. Write down ways you have been passive and unassertive with your spouse, children, and work. What would you be doing with your life if you knew you couldn’t fail?
Prayer
“God, many times I have failed to act courageously when given the chance. Please forgive me and expose the fear in my life. Help me to boldly live the life You have for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Traylor Lovvorn is a husband, father, writer and the founder of Route1520, a recovery ministry for those living in sexual brokenness. His personal website “Reflections of a Ragamuffin: Grace, Recovery and the Scandalous Gospel” is at [editedbyadmin]
May we all seek the grace of God to fight this battle courageously, by whatever means neccessary!
Excellent.
Quote: "Pornography is the ultimate act of cowardice in that there is no risk, it is always on our terms, and can be easily hidden."
This was a powerful message, my friend. I forgot about that verse in Revelations.
I think it's important to remember that cowardice and fear are not the same thing. It's not a sin to be afraid, but when you allow that fear to grip you to the point where it becomes cowardice, that's when it becomes sinful. Cowardice -- not owning up to your actions, retreating, running away, deserting your responsibilities because of fear. That's why cowardice is so bad -- It's a matter of the will, and you choose to be dominated by your fear.
Anyhow, that's how I see cowardliness. I guess you could say it's a form of selfishness?
Beloved Branch
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ps. 108:13 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies
I do remember reading about how God put cowards in the same category as the other sins in Revelation. Indeed, I think we need to realize that God desires us to be so rooted and grounded in His love that His love casts out fear, and we know that we can trust Him and He promises to never leave us nor forsake us, He will be with us wherever we go, so we can walk out with boldness and courage. I like how King David said in one of his psalms, "What can man do to me?" He had been thru so much, but learned so much about God in the process, and learned about God's goodness while King Saul sought to kill him for several years, forcing him to run and hide.
I think the key is truly knowing God, knowing His heart, knowing His love for us, being rooted and grounded in His love, since His love casts out fear.
"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine!...I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;...You are precious and honored in my eyes, and I love you...do not be afraid, for I am with you." (Is.43:4-5)
I don't want to presume to add to a excellent literary work already posted, however after reading the exercise for the week this seemed fitting to be considered.
SHIFT~ so many times many neglect to see the blind spots due to denial. Like a car that is being driven, within the drivers peripheral vision is a "blind spot" this can be the under lie-ing meditation of the heart. It is contrary to agreeing with the Lord and His Words. Ask yourself who do you say you are, and think about who He is within the struggle. Once we recognize that internal sensory/trigger and the inner dialoge of error/lies, and one exposes their thinking/reasoning/perception to the Truth/renewal can then cultivate Light and when Light is received then freedom can "live". First we must recognize the error, restrain the thought and agree it is not who we are, or who we were created to be.
Let go of the nagging voice of shame/condemnation rage in WAR to resist till those tendencies with the mindset that you are more the a conquer who is called to life of a legacy of overcoming,. Now choose healthy people who are already walking in freedom, lean upon them and yoke yourself to those already in victory as you stay in the Word.
Ask yourself, Lord who do you say I am?
Mrs. Eden
Just some randon flavor to cover those who seek understanding and various angles of perspective.
I just know it takes courage to walk out of this addiction. Fear is what keeps many of us in bondage, it has for me for many years. So this fear/cowardice is something to be confessed and repented of as well.
Lets beleiev that the eyes of their understanding become enlightened and they receiev the revelation of the state they have choosen to abide it, true repentance is acknowledging the error of the will, and then recieving the gift of forgiveness and grace to see the hope, destiny and future as the individual overcomes and becomes more like Him.
Mrs. Eden
The greatest thing a person can do in all of life is to "Love the Lord your God". Fear keeps us from doing that so it makes sense that fear is a sin in His mind. Porn promotes fear of all kinds. Fear of rejection in relationships, etc. But so what if we feel "rejected"... that means we had expectations from someone else to fulfill a "need" we think we have. Porn women don't "reject" us and are "always waiting"... BUT even in real life, they're doing what they're doing only for money. There's no way another human would allow another human to treat them so degradingly unless there is money involved- same for prostitution. It also makes sense that the Lord said, "The love of money is the root of all evil" (not money itself.) Putting money, FEAR, etc. above God is breaking HIS utmost commandment- worth repeating- "Love the Lord your God." Fear keeps me from doing that. Away with fear!!! Your dead on preciousinHiseyes- to KNOW the Love of Christ. That is the quest! Away with porn and all it's secrecy in the dark while others sleep or out of the room!
Live in the light and the darkness automatically flees!!! More of Jesus and His light of truth and LOVE!
Good stuff! Who needs porn!!!!!????? I want GOD and EVERYTHING He is! Any amens???
"Pornography is not a thing to be argued with by one's intellect, it is a thing to be stepped on by one's heel!" G.K. Chesterton
A warrior may choose pacifism; others are condemned to it.
Author Unknown
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"A fight is not won by one punch, either learn to endure or hire a bodyguard" Bruce Lee
It's a type of the spiritual warfare we face with satan and his angels and demons, since we do not struggle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, powers, world forces of this darkness, and spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). 2 Chronicles 20 talks about Israel's enemies coming to war against them and they were frightened, and the King of Israel (Judah) cried out to God, saying, "...we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You....(and God responds saying:)...'Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's....You need not fight this battle. Station yourselves, stand, and see the deliverance of the Lord on your behalf...Do not fear or be dismayed...for the Lord is with you." (verses 12-17)
Pornography is a spiritual stronghold; it's sexual immorality unleashed by satan to war against us, and on our own, we cannot win the battle. Only God can overcome for us. Notice it says first, "our eyes are on You". That is what Jesus had Peter do when he attempted to walk on water towards Jesus. That's what Hebrews 12:2 says, "...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter/completer of our faith...". We choose to be a warrior by realizing we cannot, but Jesus can, for He lives in us. That's what it means to "stand"...to stand in faith, not moved by what we see or feel, but standing, waiting on God, keeping our eyes on Him to fight for us.
"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine!...I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;...You are precious and honored in my eyes, and I love you...do not be afraid, for I am with you." (Is.43:4-5)
Pornography, prostitution and all other forms of sex 4 profit are a infectious mass in our nation and the international communities. I don't believe they will EVER be fully restrained. I do see many humanitarian efforts being made to absorb the aftershock left over as a result of these XXXindustrys influence. Perhaps regulated and taxed would be a truer reflection of the current times we are living in. I do believe that these industries enable and equip/teach predators, and not all who partake are.
This should be a area of serious concern leading every Church's/parent to teach and train their children on safety and promoting the book mentioned below. In the battle of self restraint & the desire to feed from a well of polluted foul exploitation, a individual is deceived to not take note and truly understand the flip side of the sex industry. Food 4 though
As a result of this I sincerely believe as individuals leading our families/churchs in this age, we must choose to overcome or be overcome. What I mean by that is, we overcome seeing hope/love kiss then birthing our faith by taking steps/works to equipping ourselves/families and those open to DAMAGE CONTROL & wise counsel of honors perspective. In overcoming, arm our homes computers with safeguarding software, expose ourselves to all the aspects related to self/sex education and teach our children the difference in Good Touching, Bad Touching, "A Very Touching Book by Jan Hindman" is a great place to start.
As husbands there is that place of transparency, coming under a spiritual covering/Father who is a example of integrity and honor, love covers. I don't believe the weak points of our sexuality need to be exploited, but explored when healing/wholesome wisdom is the guide and hope is seeking. So we can become better equipped to walk, counsel and comfort in understanding and transparency, we all desire to feel safe and be open in our weakness and desires.
There will always be people with diffrent viewpoints, this is a Universal Word. Our job is to grow to become like Christ, not conform His image/Word to the world. In considering that evaluation, let us ponder Paul's writings "I become all things to all man that in some way I might persuade them to Christ". I believe this leads us to a place were we can challenge ourselves to grow, or agree we have plateaued/maintaining. Then asses were are we and then agree to were we/our families need to be.
I would like to grow. Grow in effectiveness with reaching into the lives of those who are hungry for understanding and "Coach" were paths meet. Courage is the passion of the living that have chosen to release their strengths and weaknesses for focused results. Knowing God can and will be who He said He would be.
Mrs. Eden
I really like it. Good post, thanks for bringing it here.
I know fear is a big issue for me. Sometimes fear isn't over something small, like conflict avoidance. I do avoid conflicts, yes. I need to stop, cuz I agree, Jesus did not avoid conflicts at all! I pray for the day that I can be bold and courageous like Him. There are many things in this world that we need to confront boldly.
But we do need to start with things in our own lives and in our relationships around us first before we can go on to bigger conflicts elsewhere.
However, sometimes fears can be over big things, like past traumas that we just cannot seem to bring ourselves to face. That is something I'm struggling with now. Sometimes something happens to us and we can just get paralyzed by it. That is why I found myself attracted to the show, "Fear Factor". I would watch the show, and while it was a show with disgusting things, there were small fears to overcome like fear of heights or darkness or bugs crawling all over you, etc, not like real life issues. (bigger, more serious life issues). Nevertheless, I would find myself dreaming about being an overcomer, facing my fears and being bold and courageous. And remembering the scriptures where God continually encouraged Israel in the Old Testament, "Do no be afraid, do not be terrified, I will be with you wherever you go." God is our ultimate Fear Factor Host! He continually wants us to face our fears and not be afraid of things, but to trust Him. And watch Him fight on our behalf. I realized that God gets angry, perhaps in a more frustrated, hurt kind of way, when Israel would give in to fear, because it reflected their lack of trust in God, not believing in His goodness and His power.
I'm praying for God to give me the grace, cuz where I can't do it, I know He will.
PS: which is also why one of my fav verses is the one below, Isaiah 43: 1-5 talks about going thru the rivers and fire and God being with us thru it all.
"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine!...I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;...You are precious and honored in my eyes, and I love you...do not be afraid, for I am with you." (Is.43:4-5)