Engimatic Courage

Courage is very hard for most people to explain. It actually is a part of the human spirit but we usually define it with our conduct. The puzzling thing is how people surprise us with an action that is sometimes different from their normal behavior. For example, a quiet man “falls in love” and suddenly he will bravely defend his love even if it is something that is totally contrary to his former philosophy. During a disaster people will do inconceivable deeds and later wonder how they did such a thing. Courage takes many different forms which makes it seem mysterious. It is interesting that the original Greek New Testament does not use the word courage. (some translations may use it) Everything about our life after salvation has its source in God which means that a Christians courage comes from Jesus. This is the reason our courage is talked about differently in the Bible. One time Jesus explained it this way; Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT) We can see here that our answer is found in the courage that Jesus had while he was on this earth.

One sure sign that we have godly courage is shown by our cheerfulness. The world will make comments like “how can they be cheerful at a time like this?” It is because of the inexplicable joy of the Spirit inside of us. We gained great confidence when our guilt was removed by Jesus which causes us to bubble over with happiness.  For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. Heb 13:5-6 (NLT) Our friendship with God has great value and because we feel His greatness in our soul we should boast about our Savior. As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” 2 Cor 10:17 Our heart is strong when we think of our position in Christ. We can actually feel the strength of the arrangement God has made with us.

Some verses tell us that boldness to speak the Word of God is part of the courage that the Spirit gives us. Although we are given courageous attributes as gifts we are still responsible to hang-on to our courage; But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage (boldness) and remain confident in our hope in Christ. Heb 3:6 Just as cheerfulness and boldness show our courage it also is seen in other things like our hope, peace, fullness, love and rejoicing. Living with Jesus gives us a courageous life and someday it will lead to heaven. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Heb 3:14 (NLT) Remember to be faithful and courageous as we identify with the Lord. Stay cheerful because someday our spirit will take possession of all that God has promised.

Consummate Conductor

The greatest conductor in the world is usually described with language that is not applied to other professionals. Followers may say that his skills are perfect. Others might say that the conductor is matchless or that his work is absolutely complete. Maybe he seems perfect because the details of his occupation are unseen and indescribable to the public. If we listen to his music from a recording we have absolutely no idea how he does his work but we love the results. In the Christian life we have the consummate conductor and his name is Jesus. In order to make great spiritual music the Spirit of Jesus is directing all his followers individually as well as the entire body of believers. In our case the conductor is also the owner of the orchestra and the building. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. Col 1:17-18 (NLT) Everyone is given the general plan for life (the music) in the Bible and if we accept God’s work the direction will be done from inside of us and it is indescribable. Only a Christian can be led (conducted) by the Spirit of Jesus.

The Scriptures are very clear about our need for a conductor. This is because we all have an independent nature that would rather have us do things our own way. Here is what Paul said about this problem. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led (conducted) by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:12-14 (NLT) The music that the Spirit of Jesus directs is a victory march that leads over top of our sins and into that Eternal City. This passage plainly says that we must decide to put our sinful deeds to death. So many church people are doing things that they know are not right. They must repent and accept the directions of the Holy Spirit. Many holiness people like to say that our sin nature can die. Not so, only the “deeds” of our sin nature can die. Our sin nature will stay alive until we receive our new heavenly bodies. Just think how perfect our music will be in our new life.

Even Jesus, who was born with the only perfect clean nature since Adam, used the Spirit as his conductor. Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Luke 4:1-2 (NLT) In this unusual case the Holy Spirit led Jesus to a place of temptation. Because of our fallen nature the Spirit of Jesus usually leads us away from temptation. It is very important to understand that we must have the Spirit direct our life. So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” Luke 11:13 (NLT) Our heavenly Father has many gifts for us but we are expected to ask for them. We cannot develop a proper relationship by sitting back and expecting God Almighty to bring everything before us in order for us to pick and chose the things we like. Because it was important for Jesus to wait on the directions of the Holy Spirit; we certainly must have a conductor for our life. Our music will be so much better with His direction.

Church people will sometimes say that they don’t know how to follow the leading of the Spirit. The Bible tells us; The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63 (NLT) The words of Jesus are contained in the Bible. Every individual must learn the meaning of these words. Only then will we understand how the Spirit is leading us into a new life of godliness. It is as if we placed a person from off the street into the orchestra with any instrument and expected them to play beautiful music. Without learning the music or receiving training, teaching, practice and leadership no one will ever blend in with the company. The Spirit of Jesus stands ready to provide all these things to anyone that will commit themselves to Him. We will never be a part of God’s family when we insist on serving Jesus in our way. There are also people who are not ready for a spiritual battle. Unlike the orchestra, after any person joins the body of Christ there will always be someone against them. This is where Christian brothers have opportunity for discipleship and use the abilities God has provided for His musicians.

The Devil has enlisted many people who attempt to interrupt our spiritual life. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. 2 Tim 3:12-14 (NLT) Here we see that clinging to the Words of God will be our salvation. Another of our battles is the fun things of this world. The huge power that money lays on our heart continually calls us away from the things of God. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called. 1 Tim 6:10-12 (KJV) We must develop, as any musician must, good Christian habits if we want to be helpful to the body of believers. The conductor of the orchestra would be unhappy if he called on someone to play and they were thinking about other worldly problems.  

Living as a servant of Jesus is hard work but it gives our life a wonderful purpose. Before Paul died he stressed that we should not give-up.  This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 1 Tim 4:10-11 (NLT) Usually the participants that practice the most do the best job for the orchestra. We want to be the best followers we can in order to please the master (maestro). Christians are well aware that Jesus died for everyone in the world. (In fact, some people think this means that they will automatically live with God in eternity.) Unfortunately, they have not read the rest of the verse: it says, “and particularly of all believers.” Meaning the atonement applies only to the true followers of Jesus. Salvation is not simply believing that Jesus did what He did. It is about believing until we reach the place in our life that we make Him the conductor of our life. A real Christian loves their life and they work at it until it becomes something of which to be proud.