If measured by the life of Paul, valiance in the testimony of Christ may seem to be a very high standard. So what about those of us who have never been driven from home or threatened with harm or death because of our beliefs? Are we valiant? Can we be? The consequences for us may not be as extreme as with Paul, but the principle is the same: choose the right regardless of the consequences.
You are valiant if you:
•Keep on going when you think you can't go anymore.
•Admit your mistakes and strive to be better.
•Pick up the scriptures and put down the TV remote.
•Tell the truth when a lie would be easier.
•Refuse to do wrong even when everyone else is doing wrong.
•Set aside personal interests and postpone education to serve a mission.
•Speak no ill of another.
•Are honest even when it seems that no one else is.
•Choose not to click on a pornographic site.
•Smile and help another even when you yourself need help.
•Exercise self-control.
•Pray with all your heart.
•Forgive.
•Strive to raise your children in light and truth.
•Share the gospel without regard to consequences.
•Remember the Lord and keep His commandments.
•Don't count the cost.
Heavenly Father's plan is not that there be only a few lights shining here and there; rather, His purpose is to empower, uplift, and exalt all of His children so that the light of their lives may shine forth everywhere. He said to all who have accepted His gospel:
"For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;
"And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth" (D&C 115:4–6; emphasis added).
Paul was faithful and unafraid to shine. May we also be faithful and valiant in the testimony of Jesus Christ, and may we let His light shine in our lives whatever the cost.
Paul was valiant, and we can be valiant as well. To be "valiant in the testimony of Jesus" is to be faithful.
Illustrations by Daniel A. Lewis
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