Be Courageous! It was Shelly’s first day on the job. She was excited. The other women in the office were friendly. They asked questions. Is this your hometown? Yes. Are you married? No, I’m engaged. What is his occupation? He is a minister. Silence. It wasn’t long before she understood the reason. A few days later she was asked to file some things in the adjacent room. As she went to open the cabinet she found an indecent image of a man. Her face turned red. She slowly collected herself, filed the document, and walked into a room where all eyes were focused on her. She looked at no one, but sat at her desk and kept busy. Being a Christian, she thought, was going to be a challenge in this setting.

Paul acknowledged that Christians in Corinth lived and worked with immoral, debase people (1 Cor. 5:9-10). However, he called on them to be courageous, Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong (16:13).

You and I live and work in an increasingly immoral world. It takes courage to tell friends or coworkers that you do not want to hear profanity; to refrain from drinking when they bring out a bottle; to tell them you’re a Christian and will not participate in ungodly activity; to wear modest clothing when fashion dictates otherwise; to identify sinful behavior when society applauds it.

It also takes courage to share the gospel with our friends and coworkers. We must prepare ourselves with the knowledge of God’s word and His will. We live a sanctified life, otherwise we will be viewed as hypocrites. Finally, we muster the needed courage and, with a meek and gentle spirit, share the good news of a loving Savior.

Today’s Verse: And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed…But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear (1 Pet. 3:13-15).

–Teresa Hampton