Our theme for this year is – Be Courageous. We want to encourage our school community to show biblical courage in 2026. Our key verse comes from Joshua 1:9.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)
Obedience required for Biblical Courage
God has a different definition of courage from what most of us understand. We regard courage as a virtue that some people have more of than others. However, the bible sees it as a command for all Christians. It is not the absence of fear but going forward despite, fear, difficulty and/or danger. In our society courage is often seen as individual brave acts done with little regard for your own safety. However, biblical courage often involves others and is done with God’s strength. Our simple definition for this year is doing what God wants, depending on His help, despite it being hard or scary.
Objective of Biblical Courage
There is both an internal and external objective of Biblical Courage. Like Joshua God calls us to show courage on the inside. Courage includes resisting sin and choosing faithfulness in everyday moments. We are to say no to idolatry, apathy, gossip, jealousy, greed, lust, and pride. This kind of courage is often unnoticed by others, but it is powerful because it is rooted in submission to God.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.” (James 4:7–8 NIV)
Joshua’s external objective was significant. He was to lead God’s people into the promised land which involved defeating 31 individual kings. Our calling is different, but it is no less significant. We are to go into the world to tell others about Jesus with gentleness and respect. God calls Christians to love and serve others. Like Joshua we are to depend on God when it comes to our external objective.
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)
Origins of Biblical Courage
Biblical courage is not something we manufacture on our own. The bible gives us four potential sources that God can use to help us develop.
Firstly, we need to read our bibles regularly. Worldwide research involving 100,000 people conducted over eight years looked at the impact of this. The study found that reading with the bible four or more days per week was a clear tipping point for spiritual growth.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV)
The Bible also talks about the importance of regular prayer, fellowship with other Christians and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46-47 NIV)
So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6 NIV)
My deep hope is that God will help each student, staff member, and family to show courage inside and out this year. May we trust His Word, seek Him in prayer, stand with one another, and rely on His Spirit in 2026.
Bill Jackson
Principal
Maranatha Christian School
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