Journal
Courageous. Writer Ernest Hemmingway said that “courage is grace under pressure.” Courage is defined as mental and moral strength; it is the ability to do something that frightens you and is strength in the face of pain and grief. Jesus was our ultimate example of “grace under pressure” throughout His three years on earth. Even on the cross, He cried out, “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.”
I’m privileged to have traveled the world several times and met many who I am in awe of as they risk their lives to share their faith. Their courage has brought me to tears many times. Recently, I was in Cypress, helping to teach and train men and women from several countries where religious freedom, particularly Christianity, is said to be tolerated but, in reality, is persecuted. Two Iranian filmmakers visited Cypress for a “vacation” and attended our conference. They told us that they were taking notes during the day and then going back to their hotel room at night and memorizing them because they would be imprisoned if they were caught with what we were teaching them.
Courageous men and women who risked it all for Jesus are indeed saints. Their kind of courage cannot be found in human strength. It can only be found when we allow the Holy Spirit to infuse Himself fully into our soul. Those of us who work in secular production offices, on sets and stages, know that often our faith is belittled and sometimes bullied, and I believe it is not going to get easier in the future. I Peter 3:15 tells us we should “Always be ready to make a defense to anyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (my emphasis).
There are no scaredy cats or “turkeys” in God’s Kingdom!
When the Holy Spirit lives in us, and we are fully engaged with God, our response is always “Yes, I will” stand up for my faith. Our Bible and history books are filled with those who stood up, were persecuted, and demonstrated solidarity with Jesus Christ, God’s son, while giving their lives. Today’s heroes of the faith such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Jim Elliott, Corrie Ten Boon, Billy Graham, and Mother Theresa, to name a few, never shied away from persecution and gave their lives entirely to the cause for Christ.
In Romans 12, Paul spelled out for us how to handle and navigate life with courageous grace. We are to be holy, living sacrifices, renewing our minds with the Word of God, serving humbly, and loving greatly (and yes, even to those who oppress or persecute us). This Thanksgiving holiday, remember the faithful men and women who came to this country and became America’s founders so that we might have freedom to worship. Their perseverance and courage was rooted in our nation’s motto: “In God we trust.” Remember their courage. Then, embolden your life with Biblical wisdom bathed in grace and be ready to share the Hope that lives within you. Our world needs courageous people as never before.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10.
Journal
“She just keeps getting out!” I heard my girlfriend’s frustration in her voice as she hung up the phone with a neighbor who had rescued her new puppy. The dog had escaped through their invisible fence and kept figuring out how to get out. It made me think about the “invisible fences” in my own life.
God’s wisdom found in His Word is our invisible fence.
Cultural worldviews and enticing selfish choices seem to draw many Christians through God’s invisible fence. Are you staying within God’s foundational boundaries? Maybe it’s time to pay attention and understand who and what is egging you on and beckoning you to disregard and defy those little shock wave warnings in your spirit. Understanding the line God draws and trusting that He has His best in mind for us when he lays down those fences through the wisdom found in His Word takes a mature Christian mindset. Our mind affects our passions and heart; our heart controls our hands, feet, and what and where we go.
It takes a willingness and discipline to be obedient.
Working in media, entertainment, music, and the arts today means working in diverse and often anti-biblical territories. Remember the story of Pinocchio, the puppet who was given life and freedom as a real boy? He was exposed to new places and cultures when he received this “real boy” freedom. He saw the lights and sounds of the distant carnival and fell into its alluring trap. We have been given much freedom as Christians, but God requires us to live within His biblically based boundaries. Just like my friend’s new puppy, we can push past the invisible boundaries set up for our protection and compromise our values as we’re drawn into what the culture promises as places of happiness and contentment – even though they are illusions created by the deceiver, the devil.
We must be mindful and understand the strategic place, territory, and influence God has placed us in and also its influence on us. Those places and territories affect our careers and lives. Austrian/American management consultant Peter Drucker says, “Culture eats strategy. Who you are is more important than what you do.” A trusting, obedient follower of God knows who they are in Jesus Christ and refuses to let the culture dictate where they will go. This is essential because knowing the Master’s voice allows us to feel God’s presence – and also the boundaries of His invisible fence when we step out of the perfect place He wants us in.
God often limits us until we mature and learn to pay attention to His voice.
When we are ready to venture further into new territory and places, God opens the way for us to move forward into new territory because He can trust us. Remember, His heart is to keep us safe and close to Him. It took the Children of Israel 40 years of wandering in the desert before they were allowed to enter the Promised Land. When we trust Him, He trusts us. He then gives us new assignments and challenges and will enable us to connect with others and new projects. We have proven to Him that we are trustworthy.
The power of the Word protects and surrounds you like an electronic collar on a dog. When you step over the line, God’s Spirit gives you a buzz, giving you notice that you are heading into the wrong places. As leaders, we are called to be spiritually sensitive and mindful, paying attention when cultural and selfish curiosity tries to pull us beyond the line. Our job is to remember who we are and God’s boundaries of protection – His wisdom, laws, and precepts. When we do, joy and freedom are bountiful, and we no longer see God as limiting our freedom but expanding it. “Apart from Him, we can do nothing.” John 15:5
Are there any areas in your life where you are ignoring the alerts from God’s Spirit and venturing into compromising spaces?
Are you willing to thrive within Biblical boundaries and where God has placed you?
