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Often than not, the
word “bravery” brings to mind moments when someone confronts or faces their
fears irrespective of the outcome.
As a little girl, I
was taught to be bold, to speak up, be courageous and face my fears. I’ve
practised been all that and to some extent some of those come natural for me.
In as much as “bravery”
is a vital skill for dealing with fears,
wars or battles, conflicts and all what not, there are moments when walking
away or running away might just be a proof of bravery.
Like most people, I’m
pretty sure that you’ve looked out for moments when you need to be brave and
face or confront situations. However, I’ll like to point out this distinct life
circumstance when bravery isn’t about stand
and face but turn and run.
When
people try to define you
I
often say to people that life is a journey and a really personal one. Being on
a journey requires that we be aware of our
purpose on the journey, our identity
on the journey and our destination. This applies to regular bus, sea or flight
trips too!
Our
purpose, Identity and destination are what truly define us. This means that no
one else other than you knows what you’re really about until you tell them; and
when you do, it’s up to them to take it or leave it but they cannot and should not try to conjure their own definition of
you.
In
John 6, we see Jesus and his disciples on a mount across the Sea of Galilee
when a multitude came along. They had seen his miracles and where drawn to his
works. Jesus ended up performing another miracle of multiplying bread and fishes
so much that they ate to their fullest and had left over. The experience was
too good to be true. So the people decided he must be king. In verse 15, we see
Jesus do something I consider “brave”.
“When
Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him king, he departed again into a
mountain himself alone.” John 6:15 (KJV)
Read: Life Rakers to Avoid
Being
made a political leader must have been appealing don’t you think? Think about the
benefits our leaders get for being in office today. I’m pretty sure there must
have been “benefits” in Jesus’ time too. He probably would pay less tax,
accumulate wealth and he and his disciples would live “larger”.
Don’t
think these things (luxuries) didn’t “matter” to Jesus. He was tempted in all
sense like we currently are too! See Hebrews 4:15. He just knew how to focus on priorities.
Jesus
knew this isn’t the moment to have a civil conversation with those folks. He knew
he couldn’t stand there and talk to them about how he can’t be king because his
got other things to do. He simply, “ran away” before they could even approach
him.
Jesus
could resist the offer because he knew his
purpose (to die for the sins of the world- Romans 4:25), his identity (as the king of a more lasting
dynasty-Revelation 19:16) and his
destination (the father’s right hand as exalted above all-Mark 16:19)
It
was clear that the multitude didn’t know all that hence they defined him as
suitable for earthly kingship and decided to enforce their “identity” for him
on him.
Now
let’s try to imagine what might have happened if Jesus didn’t run away. Perhaps
they would have lifted him off the floor, placed him on a throne like seat, and
enthroned him as king. Jesus would probably be moved by sentiments (I don’t
want to hurt their feelings) and stay as king which would mean that he abandons
his purpose, his true identity and his destination.
I’m pretty sure you know how that would have
turned out for us and the rest of the world. God’s plan for redemption most likely
would have failed. Thank you JESUS
for knowing when to RUN AWAY.
Most
times we think we can handle certain pressures. We entertain conversations that
are contrary to our purpose, nudging us to do what seems good but isn’t God’s will for us.
If
Jesus though being God, didn’t think he should sit back and have a “civil”
conversation with a “multitude” of people who has made up their mind to make him
what they’ve chosen; I don’t think we should entertain people who try to make
us what they want either.
·
Know your primary purpose (primary- to show forth the marvellous light of God
and bring Him praise- 1 peter 2:9) and secondary
(that which God calls you to specifically do for his people and kingdom-2 peter
1:10) purpose
·
Be conscious of your identity as a
son of God –John 1:12
·
Be conscious of your destination (to
be with the Lord forever- 1 Thessalonians 4:17)
·
RUN AWAY from people or situations
who try to make you someone other than God’s original intention for your life.
Committed
to your Fulfilment
Anne Atulaegwu
Hey! Click to Enrol for the next mentoring session at Birthplace Mentoring School (BPMS)
Hey! Click to Enrol for the next mentoring session at Birthplace Mentoring School (BPMS)
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