Why is courage such a critical characteristic for a Christian?  It is because we live in a world with a standard of living that is diametrically opposed to the ways of Christ—a world where we are in the minority wherever we go.  Whether at school, on the job, or just out in the community, we are surrounded by those who think, act, and talk differently than we do.  Because of our differences, the world will despise us at times.  What Jesus said about His apostles rings true with all of His disciples.

John 17:14 (ESV)
¹⁴ I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 

This being the case, it is critical that we add courage to the rest of the characteristics that we possess.  Peter said that we must add virtue to our faith (2 Peter 1:5).  In classical Greek, the word for virtue referred to “manliness, courage, and fortitude.”  Many believe this to be the meaning here based on the context.

What good is a faith for which we are not courageous enough to stand up?  We must not only believe but also have the boldness to live by our beliefs and spread them to an unbelieving society.  Seeing that the world is offended by many of our beliefs, it takes courage to promote them, and sometimes we can be gripped by fear.  Even Paul felt this when he preached at Corinth.

1 Corinthians 2:3 (ESV)
³ And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,

Though Paul trembled with fear when thinking about preaching to the Corinthian crowd, he still proclaimed the truth to them.  Fear is not sinful in itself.  It only displeases God when we allow it to paralyze us and keep us from doing His will.  That kind of fear is condemned in the Word of God and will cause many to lose their souls.

Revelation 21:8 (ESV)
⁸ But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

The coward sure keeps bad company.  God put him right in there with the faithless, murderers, and sexually immoral.  That tells us a lot about how God feels about the sin of cowardice.  We must all muster up the strength to rise above fear and have the courage to serve God acceptably.  It is just what Christians do, and it is exactly what Paul did.

Philippians 1:20 (ESV)
²⁰ As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

Paul fulfilled his word.  He honored Christ by his life right up to the time he gave it for Him at the hands of the Roman Empire.

Do you have the courage to live for Christ amid a sinful world that despises Him?  We should.  We must.  If we are true Christians, we will.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.