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During the COVID-19 pandemic, it wasn’t just the shock of a virus that authorities told us would kill untold millions, but the disbelief that so many people were fearful of death—even the Christians. I was constantly in a state of suspended emotional turmoil as I listened to friends, pastors, and leaders who were terrified of dying. Now let me be clear, I’m not saying I have a death wish or even a desire to die. I don’t. But since I gave my life to Christ over forty-six years ago, I’ve not had a fear of death. I thought most Christians felt that way. Man was I wrong.

As a pastor leading a local church congregation, I was on the frontlines of seeing the fear that paralyzed so many people during the pandemic. It seemed to me that fear was killing more people than the virus. People were making crucial decisions based in panic rather than wisdom. So many folks I knew were calling me foolish and a conspiracy theorist for even considering opening the doors of our church and encouraging people to get out in the sun, take walks, and come to services.

 

What Makes People Courageous?

It seemed that courage was non-existent. The popular phrase, “Be Safe” was plastered everywhere. This was the time I began to seriously ask the question, “What makes people courageous?”

Why was it that some people had great courage and others had great fear? What was the difference? Was it only spiritual—trusting in God—or something different?

I did original research in science, sports, medicine, and the Bible to find the answers to having a courageous heart. After hours, weeks, and months of study, it became apparent to me that courage was a complex issue. It was complex in that it was wrapped up in our daily choices. Choices rooted in habits and behavior.

I realized that none of us are naturally courageous. None of us carry a “courage gene” to pull up when fear shows up in our lives.

However, I discovered that courage is the result of a life well-lived with daily choices and routines that nurture a brave heart. A brave heart was the outgrowth of disciplines and habits in one’s life.

Aristotle once said, “Quality is not an act but a habit.” It occurred to me that courage is the same. We build courage through daily habit patterns that inform our heart and mind.

Courage is a daily choice, nurtured through habits in our life. Living an effective, successful, courageous life is not for cowards. It’s for those who recognize their fears and still choose bravery. These nine habits are like deposits in the bank account of courage that incrementally equip us to master our fears.

 

Pastor Steve