Courage to serve

Serving by nature is social. Social by nature is unpredictable. Unpredictable by nature is scary.

That’s why we need courage to serve.

(Photo: Der etienne)

For example…

  • The first time I helped lead worship, I was scared to get on stage to tune my guitar.
  • The first time I played drums on stage, I was scared to make any abrupt, crashing noise (I obviously wasn’t a drummer yet).
  • The first time I knocked on someone’s door to share the gospel, I was scared the door might actually open.
  • The first time I taught a children’s ministry class, I wanted to just pass out Goldfish crackers the whole time.
  • The first time I spoke for a Sunday morning service, I said, “You know,” about fifty times in the first five minutes… because I really didn’t know, because I was scared.

Fear isn’t always about firsts, though. While the initial bite has worn off, I’m still scared in some of those situations.

And I’m still scared when I make an apology. I’m still scared when I open up about my daily struggles. I’m still scared when I try to purposely make a new friend.

I’m even still nervous sometimes when I publish a blog post… even after doing it almost 500 times.

But good grief! Enough about my fear. From conversations with some of you all, I know I’m not the only one. Perhaps post publishing isn’t your one-eyed monster, but you’re sometimes scared too. And it hinders you from serving, living all out, and totally submitting to God’s guidance.

Fear is everywhere, even in the middle of courage… especially in the middle of courage.

That’s why you and I and everyone else need encouragement. We need someone to put courage in us.

Courage is relative

“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” -Romans 12:3

Like many subjective experiences, courage is different from person to person. It’s even different at different times in a person’s life.

Some people might need more courage for a small obstacle than others need for a large obstacle. For example, I needed more courage to play drums that first time than I did to teach at church later in my life. It’s like how a body builder can bench press 300 pounds easier than someone who’s never lifted can bench 100.

Like any training, it starts small and conditions up.

Courage is trust

When it comes down to it, courage is trust. You and I are courageous when we trust God’s will in our lives.

“Do not be afraid; only believe.” -Jesus

As slaves, we have nothing to fear. Our Lord is responsible for the results. Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. Our responsibility is only to follow His guidance.

Courage doesn’t always mean perfect certainty, but it does mean moving forward as though you are certain.

Courage is others-oriented

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important. -Ambrose Redmoon

As soon as you and I allow fear to dictate our actions, we’ve moved to selfishness. Sure, you might be afraid for someone else – that might be a more legitimate fear. But really? How often is that the case?

If we take a hard look at our motives, we’ll usually find – at least I know I do – that fear is selfish. When we look beyond our own immediate “needs” to focus instead on how we can serve others, fear usually isn’t even an issue.

Where are you holding back?

I can almost guarantee fear is a barrier for you in some way. Am I right?

You know somewhere in your consciousness that God wants you to move past where you are now. You know you’re not living all out.

Consider these categories to spark some ideas…

  • Your relationships: Does God want you to get married or have children? Do you need to reconcile issues with a relative? What about making new friends?
  • Your career: Are you doing everything you can to serve in your current position? Do you need to switch career paths to align more with ministry rather than money?
  • Your education: Have you been putting off that advanced degree? Could you take a few extra classes here and there? Could you join a public speaking group? Could you start seriously studying a particular topic on your own?
  • Your church involvement: Are you being called to start a Bible study at work or in your home? Do you need to start a prayer or accountability group?

Once you’ve drilled in on a category, consider what is means to be courageous in your situation.

First off, realize that if something is scary for you, it’s scary for you… even if it seems like no big deal to others. Accept the fear. Acknowledge that you’re allowing it to control your life in the wrong way. Don’t keep ignoring it.

Realize, though, that others have had similar fears even if they’re not in the same situation you’re in. For example, your pastor might have been terrified of public speaking – my dad was. Don’t assume that people got where they are today naturally. In most cases, the people who are living courageous lives had to purposely push through their fears, just like you.

Secondly, figure out the root reason you’re afraid. Where are you failing to trust God?

Start from wherever you’re at, whatever fear you have, and take a small step to overcome it. Take a step that challenges you but that you’re fairly sure you can follow-through with. Start trusting God in the small things.

Like if you’re having trouble trusting your finances to God, try giving away five dollars to strangers every week. That’s something manageable. The goal here is to pin-point the lack of trust and then begin stepping out where you can… so you can later move into the things that seem impossible right now.

Finally, get clear that you’re most likely afraid for selfish reasons. The fear you feel is a result of survival thinking – you’re trying to protect yourself or stuff you’re attached to (even if that stuff seems really good).

Like the “giving away five dollars per week” example, you can often move through your fears by re-orienting to serve others. Try to find a way to frame your fear and attack it in an others-oriented context. What can you do to move through your fear by helping someone else instead of yourself?

The courage to live all out

Most people want to avoid their fears instead of recognizing that they’re manageable if taken slowly. Ironically, most people are skeptical about fear being a lack of trust in God. And they won’t admit it’s all based in selfishness.

But that’s why so many of us live puny lives for God. That’s why God can’t use us the way He really wants to use us. That’s why we miss the blessings He’s offering us.

And listen… I’m not about all that hyper-motivational garbage. Motivational pep-talks don’t give sustainable results. They give false, short-term hope.

True encouragement, though, is based on certainty. Real courage is based on trusting a legitimate source.

Good thing too, because we have a legitimate source in God. Training our courage, trusting God, re-orienting completely for others… this it legit. You and I can’t go wrong serving Him. We can have confidence in Him.

So if our purpose really is to glorify God, you and I can’t let personal fears interfere… no matter how uncomfortable that makes us.

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts…” -1 Peter 3:14-15

“So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’ ” -Hebrews13:6

Serving Suggestions:

(1) I suggest setting aside one day this week to pursue how you can serve more courageously. Clear your schedule as much as you can and use the available time to seek how God wants to lead you… to push you. Get advice from trusted friends and relatives. Study the Bible. Pray. Meditate on what God says.

(2) At the end of the day, purpose to move forward with something. Many options will no doubt arise, but don’t get caught in option overload. By the end of the day, move forward, even if it’s only a small step. The courageous life is amazing.