Courage Journal #6

Every year at Village 7 Presbyterian Church, we have a church service called "The Kirkin' O' the Tartan." It is an awesome service where we celebrate Presbyterian heritage in full Scottish style. The Presbyterian denomination originated in Scotland, where it was the main church for around 200 years. For a while, when it was illegal to wear your clan tartans (or the clothes that show which clan you belonged to), there would be a moment in the church service where the Pastor would give a blessing and the men would secrelty touch their tartans to symbolize their freedom and remembrance of their past.

From the time of the Reformation until the 1800s, Presbyterians and many other Christian gorups were persecuted for their faith. When we listened to Alistair Begg's sermon in class, we heard one of these stories that took place in Scotland. The men and women who stood up and proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ were willing to die for what they believed in. They knew the truth and proclaimed in, regardless of the consquences.

These men and women had incredible courage. God has put me in a place where I do not have to worry about these things. I can worship freely, teach at a Chrstian school, and have freedoms that people have not always had. I wonder, though, if I will have the courage to stand up for Christ if things began to change. Will I have the courage to proclaim my faith if persecution, even the killing of Christians, came to Colorado Springs?

I think so...but I believe a lot of us would say we would be willing to die and then deny Christ when the time came. I hope and pray I would continue to grow strong and courageous in my relationship with Christ so I can withstand anything that is thrown my way. What about you?

-Tharp-
Romans 8:28