Monday, November 22, 2010

Never Be Afraid of Doing What Is Right

Young men, I want you all to be free from this bondage. I want you each to care nothing for man's opinion, when the path of duty is clear. Believe me, it is a great thing to be able to say "No!" Here was good King Jehoshaphat's weak point--he was too easy and yielding in his dealings with Ahab, and hence many of his troubles. (1 Kings 22:4) Learn to say "No!" Let not the fear of not seeming good-natured make you unable to do it. When sinners entice you, be able to say decidedly, "I will not consent." (Proverbs 1:10)

Consider only how unreasonable this fear of man is. How short-lived is man's enmity, and how little harm he can do you! "Who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man, which shall be made as grass; and forgettest the LORD thy Maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth?" (Isaiah 51:12, 13)

And how thankless is this fear! None will really think better of you for it. The world always respects those most who act boldly for God. Oh, break these bonds, and cast these chains from you! Never be ashamed of letting men see you want to go to Heaven. Think it no disgrace to show yourself a servant of God. Never be afraid of doing what is right.

~ J.C. Ryle in Thoughts for Young Men

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