While I’m uncertain whether the tradition continues today, for years, the cadets at West Point would recite this in their Sunday chapel: “Make us choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong. Never be content with half truth when whole truth can be won. Endow us with courage that is born of loyalty to all that is noble and worthy, that scorns to compromise with vice and injustice and knows no fear when right and truth are in jeopardy.”
What if we had such zeal for the Kingdom of God? Isn’t it our duty to uphold the same things for the sake of the cross? If brave men and women can have that kind of commitment for a temporal country here on earth, shouldn’t our commitment to the eternal Kingdom be far greater?
Jesus told us there was a wide and narrow path in life (Matthew 7:13-14). The wide road is much easier to travel. It’s smoother and we’ll have lots of companions along the way. When we aren’t concerned with choosing what is right, there will be little friction in life. After all, society at large doesn’t care if you are doing the things they do. The resistance comes when we stand against the tide and declare the truth of Jesus. It’s a hard life now, but it will result in eternal peace and rest.
What if we were so loyal to the cause of Christ that we possessed the courage to stand up to every evil plan and desire of the enemy? That’s a warrior’s mentality, and it is to this we have been called. We are at war with the world because the world hates Jesus and His followers.
If you haven’t yet faced ridicule and persecution for your faith, prepare yourself (John 16:33; John 15:18-19; Matthew 10:16-20). Unimaginable pressure to compromise the clear teaching of Scripture is coming. As the world continues its slide into depravity and lawlessness, calling good evil and evil good, they will expect us to fall in line and affirm the sinful madness. When the world insists you follow them, don’t give in. Be strong.
This courage does not come naturally. The ability to stand comes through the Holy Spirit. He is not lacking in power, and He gives that power to all who ask for it in the name of Jesus (John 3:33-34). When Moses was handing the reins of leadership to Joshua, he told him to be strong and courageous because the Lord would go before Him (Deuteronomy 31:6). Moses knew Joshua could not carry out God’s plan on his own. He would need divine help, and the Lord would give it to Him.
When God goes before us, we need not fear. Every day, He is doing miraculous things on our behalf, removing obstacles, and giving us the fortitude to be His hands and feet in a wicked world. I’m reminded of when Israel was ridiculously outnumbered by the enemy and facing certain defeat. Before even lifting a sword, God destroyed the entire army of the enemy (2 Chronicles 20:1-29). Never look at the odds through earthly eyes. Our God can do so much more than we could ever hope or imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Don’t be afraid of this world, but have the courage to take the hard road without ever compromising the truth of the Gospel. Seek the truth at all times and never buy into the lies of men who want to indulge their sinful behavior and desires. Ground yourself in God’s Word every day and ask him for the strength and courage to do all he gives you to do. You won’t gain popularity or find ease in this world, but you will bring glory to our incomparable Lord, Savior, and King. This is what it means to be alive, to worship God, and to serve Him in every moment. Be strong and courageous because the Lord your God is going before you.