Courage

by Diana Durrill 

"The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, 'Is this your son, who you say was born blind?  How then does he now see?'  His parents answered, 'We know that this is our son and that he was born blind.  But how he sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes.  Ask him; he is of age.  He will speak for himself.'  (His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.)"  John 9:18-22

The problem this man's parents were facing was a serious issue.  If they acknowledged belief in Jesus Christ, they were to be put out of the synagogue.  What is significant about that is that most likely, every aspect of their lives revolved around the Jewish community and the synagogue.  What would they do if they were "put out" of the synagogue?  Where would they go?  How would they eat?  Who would fellowship with them?

My first tendency is to feel sorry for these parents who are clearly lacking courage to stand for and with their son who has chosen to believe in Jesus Christ (John 9:38).  Their fear of man is so great that they choose to pass the burden of the question off to their son.  They say (and I paraphrase), "Ask him -- he is old enough to stand trial alone."  But, as I pause to think about their predicament and contrast it to my world today, I have to step back humbly with compassion and understanding.

This is not just an issue in New Testament culture.  It is a real-life, current cross-cultural issue today, as well.  Believers all over the world are fearful of declaring Jesus Christ for fear of what man will say or do to them, especially if it means denying their religious heritage.

All of us are fully aware of people groups around the world who are persecuted for their faith.  We
pray for missionaries and believers alike who are tried and tested for their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.  How often, though, do we stop to consider our own fear of man which influences our lives and decisions today?  When we make a decision for the Lord that perhaps our friends, family or neighbors don't understand we often face a form of persecution.  When we choose to worship in a different style or format than we did as a child, we can face criticism and judgment from family members or from our church community.  Many times, this fear of man (What will people say?  What will people think?) immobilizes us and we neglect to take steps in the direction God is leading because we are more fearful than we are obedient or courageous.  I know I am guilty.  But sadly, I am guilty of being the accuser as well.  When someone chooses a path that I disagree with for "spiritual reasons," I am ashamed to say have often passed judgment or criticized their decision.  Oh, I'm not talking about the big issues and the essentials of the faith.  I refer more to the little things that we should "agree to disagree" on.

Are we guilty of criticizing and judging others for not worshiping God the way we would (in all areas of life)?  Are we guilty of not making a move in our walks with God out of fear of man and man's opinions?  I think the answer to both of these questions is YES.  We would do well to follow the example of the blind man in his courageous belief as he took a clear stand, going against the religious leaders, his own family, and the crowd.  We would also do well to learn from his parents' fears.  May we be bold when God asks us to lead courageously, and gracious and humble when others lead the way even if it looks different than what we're used to.