Different Kinds of Courage

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 24, 1912

Different Kinds of Courage

HUMAN experience affords the manifestation of several kinds of courage. There is the courage of physical force, an obstinate, unreasoning animal determination that does not stop to take into account circumstances or to count the cost or forecast results. Akin to this, but of a higher order, is the courage of pride, the possessors of which refuse to yield or turn back even though the pursuit of their purpose is confronted with danger and difficulties, fearful that in doing so their bravery will be called into question.

Then there comes the courage of inspiration. This in the majority of cases is the courage of the world's heroes and heroines. Some great and worthy cause enlists their interest: A mighty impulse sways their emotions. The inspiration of the hour, the praise of men, the knowledge that others are looking to them for leadership, lead them to press resolutely forward. It can not be denied that to results of this courage the world is indebted for much of valuable leadership and example.

But even this must take second place to that true Christian courage which moves from principle rather than from impulse or caprice; which fully counts the cost, the personal sacrifice involved; recognizes the darkness through which the path may lead, the obstacles to be surmounted; and yet through faith in God and trusting him for guidance and for final deliverance, accepts the call of duty. It was this courage which led the great Jewish statesman and prophet of the Lord, Moses, to choose “rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.” Heb. 11: 25, 26.

It was this kind of courage that led the great apostle to the Gentiles to declare regarding the sacrifices he had made for the Lord, “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” Phil. 3: 8. It was this courage which was enjoined upon Joshua as he was about to undertake the conquest of the land of promise. “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1: 9.

To the exercise of this quality of character we are exhorted by the prophet Isaiah: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isa. 41: 10.

This courage is needed by the soldiers of the Lord on the spiritual fields of battle. It is needed by ministers and missionaries, by those who go out and sell our publications from door to door, by the teachers in our schools, by the managers in our institutions. It is needed as well by the fathers and mothers in the home, by those engaged in life's ordinary conflicts.

Let us be brave in God, strong and courageous to fight his battles. His eye is upon us. He takes account of the part played by every soldier in his army. Wherever the providence of God has placed us, whether it be to work in the darkness or in the light, in the valley or upon the mountaintop, before the multitude or within the confines of a quiet home, let us be strong and of good courage.

“True courage is not the brutal force Of vulgar heroes, but the firm resolve Of virtue and of reason. He who thinks Without their aid to shine in deeds of arms, Builds on a sandy basis his renown; A dream, a vapor, or an ague fit May make a coward of him.”

“He holds no parley with unmanly fears, Where duty bids he confidently steers, Faces a thousand dangers at her call, And, trusting to his God, surmounts them all.”