On Being of Good Courage
In my house, we have a new puppy at the moment. I wasn’t looking to get a puppy, it just kind of happened. It all started with a picture my kids showed me. Then the begging, pleading, and cajoling began. Finally, I met the puppy. After he licked my face, I decided I liked the little guy and the rest is history.
What I’ve noticed about our puppy is that he is always happy to see me. It doesn’t matter if I step out of the room for three seconds, when I return, his tail wags and he happily greets me. Almost always, he is always happy. Even if he’s just a puppy and he doesn’t understand the world around him, it still makes an impact on me. I like that he’s happy all the time. It makes me a little bit happier. If a canine could have that impact on a person, what impact could the attitude of one person have on another?
In 2 Corinthians 5:6, you read these words: “So we are always of good courage.” What if Christians really were? What if we were always of good courage? Certainly I would complain less. Certainly I would trust God more. Certainly I would have a better outlook on life. And certainly if I’m of good courage I would bring encouragement to those around me. Sign me up for that!
How is it even possible to live in such a consistent manner? Surely Paul is just speaking in hyperbole? No, this isn’t an exaggeration. We know this because God Himself is the source for this power. 2 Corinthians 5:5 explains: “He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” The Holy Spirit, indwelling every believer, enables us and embodies for us what we need to live always with good courage.
My resolve is that when someone interacts with me that I will be “always of good courage.” On my own, I’m not capable of that kind of consistency. But as I determine each day to walk with God, its possible for me and for you!