The concept of courage is occasionally being
mischaracterized in our culture.
If people do something involving very little risk,
knowing in advance they will be celebrated, applauded and even awarded by the
leading people and institutions of the culture in which they live then what
they have done really does not need to be characterized as “courage.” For
example, if an actor takes on a particular role and plays it in a unique and
artistically creative way, that may be interesting or noteworthy—it may even be
worthy of an Academy Award—but it is not really an example of extraordinary
courage.
Courage is demonstrated when people do something
they understand to be right even though there will be very difficult
consequences or perhaps even great personal danger, as a result.
I bring this up because real courage is significant
and important—even honorable. It is helpful for us to be clear regarding a
concept like courage. We need to understand what it really means, and how to
recognize it.
So, when first responders show up at the scene of a
disaster, for instance, and they enter into perilous situations—at great risk
to themselves—to help others, that is courage.
When the infantrymen stepped off the boats as part
of the Normandy Invasions, fighting for a cause that was right even though they
knew many of them would not make it, that was courage.
Real courage is meaningful, vital and not all that
common. It deserves to be esteemed.
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be
courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1Corinthians 16:13&14
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