Maya Angelou once said, “I am convinced that courage is the most important of all virtues because without courage, you cannot practice any other virtue consistently.” Though many of us focus on love or peace when we think about cardinal virtues, the truth is that courage and bravery are what make all the other ones possible. 

Unfortunately, we are living in a world that is moving from courage to cowardice. Social media has given everyone a platform and a means by which to say really awful things about others that they would never say to their faces. Sites like Facebook and Twitter have created a problem in our culture that finds us spouting off at acquaintances and even strangers in a manner we would be too afraid to employ in an in-person encounter. Beyond that, many of us will say things to our friends and neighbors about another person that we would deny ever having said if they confronted us directly. Though we know this is not the right way to live, it’s easy to fall into the trap, because as a society, we have lost the courageous art of having a civil discussion with someone with whom we disagree. To sum it up, we’re simply becoming less brave. 

Friend, as a Christian, you are called to courage. I’m not talking about the kind of bravery that wins a battle and defeats thousands (though there may be a place for that). I’m speaking simply about being bold enough to do what others won’t do. Jesus was a trailblazer who swam upstream against culture and He calls you to do the same. In a world that’s shrinking back from having difficult conversations and shying away from the messiness of interpersonal encounters, you are anointed to make a difference! Step out in faith, trust God to give you the courage that you need, and watch as you are set apart and used by your Heavenly Father in a mighty way!