Why is it that people like the typical characters played by John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, or in more recent movies, Vin Diesel, or Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne? I think part of the reason is their display of courage.

Courage comes down to, risking harm to your self for something more important. The harm may be pain, intimidation, insecurity, threat of death or injury, shame, or personal loss, or other risks. I think we like these characters because they display both physical courage, risking life and limb for a what is right and moral courage, going against the crowd or the easy way in order to do the right thing.

God tells Joshua in Joshua 1:9, “be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

We need to think of ourselves like these courageous characters. We may not face physical risks for living our faith, without apology, but we may face risks of embarrassment, intimidation or ridicule. Our faith is more important than avoiding embarrassment.

Paul writes in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.”

Dear Lord, we know we should be courageous in living our Christian lives, without backing down from what is right in your eyes. Work in us to have this courage. In doing so, maybe we can be one of these courageous characters that leads others to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.