Dave M
Loyal
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2015
- Messages
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The Major Obstacle for Valor
]Showing valor is not a one-time event. It must be practiced repeatedly. Consistent courage over a lifetime is what produces a person of valor.
But valor’s growth can be stunted.
How?
Some think persecution stops valor. But that’s not accurate. I spoke recently with a member of the Chinese house church movement. She said that persecution has only made the Chinese church stronger. It has purified followers of Jesus and increased valor. She echoed what the early church father Tertullian once wrote: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”
If persecution doesn’t cease valor, what does?
The answer may surprise you: Prosperity. Success. Times of ease.
Why is this the case? Times of prosperity tempt you to self-sufficiency. You start to read and believe your press clippings. You think that the reason you’re successful is because of your brain, your effort, and your resilience.
You become God and prideful. And pride comes before the fall (Proverbs 16:18).
That’s why Moses warned the Israelites to be careful of pride after they took possession of the Promised Land: “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18 ESV).
The antidote to pride is realizing that everything you have is a gift from God.
When you realize this, God retains his rightful place in your life.
Valor is then unleashed to grow unhindered.
And you will become a person of valor for all the days of your life.
By Moments of Hope
]Showing valor is not a one-time event. It must be practiced repeatedly. Consistent courage over a lifetime is what produces a person of valor.
But valor’s growth can be stunted.
How?
Some think persecution stops valor. But that’s not accurate. I spoke recently with a member of the Chinese house church movement. She said that persecution has only made the Chinese church stronger. It has purified followers of Jesus and increased valor. She echoed what the early church father Tertullian once wrote: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”
If persecution doesn’t cease valor, what does?
The answer may surprise you: Prosperity. Success. Times of ease.
Why is this the case? Times of prosperity tempt you to self-sufficiency. You start to read and believe your press clippings. You think that the reason you’re successful is because of your brain, your effort, and your resilience.
You become God and prideful. And pride comes before the fall (Proverbs 16:18).
That’s why Moses warned the Israelites to be careful of pride after they took possession of the Promised Land: “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18 ESV).
The antidote to pride is realizing that everything you have is a gift from God.
When you realize this, God retains his rightful place in your life.
Valor is then unleashed to grow unhindered.
And you will become a person of valor for all the days of your life.
By Moments of Hope
