The Time To Be A "Coward"
Young People
A neighbor in Memphis used to quite her father's words when it came time to make wise choices: "I had rather hear them say, 'Look at him run' than "Don't he look natural'.
Temptation is no respecter of persons. It is a strong urge to do that which our moral judgment knows is wrong and causes our conscience to hurt. It seems there are always those about us to encourage us in wrong things. Some would taunt and chide those who try to live the Christian life in accordance with high morals. They call good evil and evil good! They not only engage in sin themselves but also have pleasure in them that do them. (Romans 1:32).
Don't be ashamed to say NO! Paul said in his instruction to the young preacher, Timothy, "Keep thyself pure" (1 Timothy 5:22). He also commanded: "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity (love), peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22). It is never really cowardly and "chicken" to stand where you ought to stand or do what you ought to do! The one who is really weak and chickenhearted is the one who gives in to temptation and sin. They are the ones also who pay the price..."ye shall reap what ye sow" (Galatians 6:7-9).
No one has to sin! The Lord is stronger than Satan. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to men: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able: but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
There is a time when it is safe and a compliment to be called "coward"!
From Our Archives, 1982
By: Gary Colley