COST OF COURAGE

One would find many ordinary men. Few, in the human history, would be found, who had the courage to stand for the truth, and be willing to pay the price for the same. Two such people are John Calvin and William Farel.

History of the Church records, that in April of 1538, John Calvin and William Farel were dismissed by the Town Council of Geneva, from their pastoral responsibilities. They were also banished from the city, and were ordered to leave it within three days. The reason for such a drastic decision being – they both refused to serve the Lord’s Supper, to the members of the Church, because of their sins, and also because the church members did not want to follow the lead of Bern in serving unleavened bread for the LORD’s Supper.

In such situations, as were Calvin and Farel, many may rationalise it, and say, “Why take the risk? We can do so much more, if we ignored the sins, and carried on, than taking a strict and dogmatic stand.” However, it is good to note that, weak people never achieve anything. Strong people also may not achieve much. The people, who, out of their conviction to stand for Christ, their Saviour, and not back down, even from laying their everything, for their LORD, will achieve that which lasts forever.

The people like John Calvin and William Farel, possess, the CLARITY of thought, the CONVICTION about the truth, and the COURAGE to take a stand. Such a stand for our LORD – It is no small thing. It is no ordinary thing. It requires courage, to stand for our convictions, in the face of opposition, who can destroy everything we have. Even so the LORD help us to stand for Him.

The Bible encourages us to stand for God, and for the truth, with courage, gentleness and humility – “21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” “35…do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.” “13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.”
“13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” – Romans 12:21; Hebrews 10:35; 1 Corinthians 16:13-14; 1 Peter 3:13-17