One of the most common themes in action films is a hero motivated to save a damsel in distress. We know how this kind of storyline goes. The hero falls for a maiden, the maiden is put in jeopardy, the hero goes through valleys and mountains to rescue the damsel in distress only to conquer all for the woman of his dreams.
As canned and "worldly" as that concept may sound, there is actually a biblical principle hidden within it: the principle that teaches us the source of courage that conquers. And the power that draws the deepest levels of courage is no other than love.
1 John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." Courage is not the antidote to fear. It is simply an outcome of love which is the true antidote to fear. What does that mean for us Christians today?
As God commanded the inexperienced and fearful Joshua before charging him into Canaan to defeat and dominate, He says in Joshua 1:5, "No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you." It was not God's command that coerced Joshua to step into the promised land with courage. It was the love of God made evident through the promise of His presence.
What is scaring you today - a career move, a sickness, a financial challenge or maybe an opportunity to shine for Jesus in your community? How do you handle that fear?
When we are motivated by a prize that we adore, it is that same adoration that becomes the inner strength that empowers us to go through any depth to reach our destination. It's no different when it comes to our experience with God as we walk through the valleys of the shadow of death. We are motivated not by inner strength that comes from ourselves but by a love that has captured us.
That love is best displayed by Jesus Christ on the cross. As we receive God's gospel, we receive a message not of coercion or manipulation that forces us to "just be brave." We are empowered by the love so lavishly displayed on the cross. Just as John 3:16 says it best: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
What mountains or valleys are you going through today? Are you looking to God's perfect love to cast out fear and endow you with courage or are you still simply manipulated or coerced into being courageous because you have no choice?
