Selected by reader, Brad Elledge
One of the things I love about Park Forum is the breadth and range of topics covered. And I especially love it when a historically significant Christians such as Charles Spurgeon or in this case, Soren Kierkegaard are featured. This particular selection convicted me for my addiction to the comfort and security that my oh-so middle class American life affords me. For my insensitivity to the Holy Spirit and my lack of courage to act on what promptings I have. May we all be quick to say “Yes Lord”, and not be cowards when decision is upon us.

Originally posted on June 16, 2017 with readings from Deuteronomy 21 and Psalm 108-109.

My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. — Psalm 108.1

Reflection: Pride and Cowardice :: Readers’ Choice
By Søren Kierkegaard

The separation of cowardice and pride is a false one, for these two are really one and the same. The proud person always wants to do the right thing, the great thing. But because he wants to do it in his own strength, he is fighting not with man but with God. He wants to have a great task set before himself and to carry it through on his own accord. And then he is very pleased with his place.

The proud person, ironically, begins looking around for people of like mind who want to be sufficient unto themselves in their pride. This is because anyone who stands alone for any length of time soon discovers that there is a God. Such a realization is something no one can endure. And so one becomes cowardly. Of course, cowardice never shows itself as such. It won’t make a great noise.

Cowardice settles deep in our souls like the idle mists on stagnant waters. From it arise unhealthy vapors and deceiving phantoms. The thing that cowardice fears most is decision; for decision always scatters the mists, at least for a moment. Cowardice thus hides behind the thought it likes best of all: the crutch of time.

Cowardice and time always find a reason for not hurrying, for saying, “Not today, but tomorrow”, whereas God in heaven and the eternal say: “Do it today. Now is the day of salvation.” The eternal refrain of decision is: “Today, today.” But cowardice holds back, holds us up. If only cowardice would appear in all its baseness, one could recognize it for what it is and fight it immediately.

Therefore, dare to renew your decision. It will lift you up again to have trust in God. For God is a spirit of power and love and self-control, and it is before God and for him that every decision is to be made. Dare to act on the good that lies buried within your heart. Confess your decision and do not go ashamed with downcast eyes as if you were treading on forbidden ground. If you are ashamed of your own imperfections, then cast your eyes down before God, not man.

Prayer: The Request for Presence
Hide not your face from your servant; be swift and answer me…Draw near to me and redeem me… — Psalm 69.19-20

– Prayer from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.

Prayers from The Divine Hours available online and in print.

Today’s Readings
Jeremiah 52 (Listen – 5:49)
Psalm 31 (Listen – 3:31)

Additional Reading
Read More about Risks of Faith
He who risks nothing appears to gain by his prudence, but he is rejected by you.

Read More about Pride and Shortsightedness
The recent falls of many Christian leaders have been dominating news cycles. As Beth Moore said, “These things ought to scare us to death…Only a fool gloats when others fail.”

Readers’ Choice
We have a couple spots left for your favorite posts of the year. Submit a Readers Choice post. Tell us about a post and what it meant to you.

Support our Work
Over 4,000 people every week read an email devotional from The Park Forum. Support our work with a monthly or a one time donation.