Pressure is a thing. We are all under it in different areas of our life. People expect from us. People have perceptions about us. People even threaten us when they don’t get what they want. It’s in these moments where the truth of a person’s character rises or falls. I’ve watched sports my whole life. I’ve seen teams that were really good at “blowing out” inferior opponents, but when they faced a competitive opponent with a raucous crowd behind them, they wilted like a daisy on a blistering hot day. I’ve also watched multiple people make emotion-filled decisions over the years. They were “all-in” until the “going got tough!” One of the underrated “stories behind the story” in the crucifixion of Jesus is the cowardice of Pilate. Instead of “standing up,” he “sold out!” He had every opportunity to be a leader, and he failed.
One of the most important things that you can prioritize in your life in 2025 is “strength!” No…I’m not talking about muscles and brawn; I’m talking about conviction and character. I love what Jesus had to say about his cousin. You may have heard about him. His name was John the Baptizer. Notice Matthew 11:7-11: "As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
John had the courage to actually challenge the king of Israel at the time when Herod decided it was ok to take the wife of his brother for himself. John confronted sin. John challenged hypocrites. John lived with conviction and character. John wasn’t living a “phase”; he was living for the Kingdom of God which inevitably brought pressure that he did not shy away from in every occurrence. What about you and me?
The Roman governor was no John the Baptizer. In fact, his character was the complete opposite. Thinking he could appease an angry mob; he had Jesus beaten and bruised. Then, when that did not suffice, he had a real dilemma. Would he actually be willing to murder an innocent man? The problem was that the angry Jews literally manipulated Pilate into believing that if he didn’t have Jesus crucified that he would be putting their Roman Kingdom and Caesar’s reputation at risk. Given multiple opportunities, Pilate “gave in” to the pressure proving to be a “sell out.” When you make decisions based on fear, it always leads to consequences filled with failure.
No one ever said that our journey of faith was going to be easy. In fact, it’s the opposite. Often times, it can be very difficult. The big question you must continually ask yourself is: AM I TRYING TO PLEASE MYSELF, OTHERS, OR GOD? As you go through your week, think about how easy it would be to just avoid the difficult conversations that you need to have, the disciplines that you need to apply, and the responsibilities that you need to complete. Any “coward” can take the easy way out! Don’t do that! God has called you to so much more than that. Let me leave you with the perfect mindset for 2025. It comes from God to Joshua, Israel’s new leader. It should be what we strive to do and to be each and every day. Notice Joshua 1:7-9: “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 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.”
One of the most important things that you can prioritize in your life in 2025 is “strength!” No…I’m not talking about muscles and brawn; I’m talking about conviction and character. I love what Jesus had to say about his cousin. You may have heard about him. His name was John the Baptizer. Notice Matthew 11:7-11: "As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
John had the courage to actually challenge the king of Israel at the time when Herod decided it was ok to take the wife of his brother for himself. John confronted sin. John challenged hypocrites. John lived with conviction and character. John wasn’t living a “phase”; he was living for the Kingdom of God which inevitably brought pressure that he did not shy away from in every occurrence. What about you and me?
The Roman governor was no John the Baptizer. In fact, his character was the complete opposite. Thinking he could appease an angry mob; he had Jesus beaten and bruised. Then, when that did not suffice, he had a real dilemma. Would he actually be willing to murder an innocent man? The problem was that the angry Jews literally manipulated Pilate into believing that if he didn’t have Jesus crucified that he would be putting their Roman Kingdom and Caesar’s reputation at risk. Given multiple opportunities, Pilate “gave in” to the pressure proving to be a “sell out.” When you make decisions based on fear, it always leads to consequences filled with failure.
No one ever said that our journey of faith was going to be easy. In fact, it’s the opposite. Often times, it can be very difficult. The big question you must continually ask yourself is: AM I TRYING TO PLEASE MYSELF, OTHERS, OR GOD? As you go through your week, think about how easy it would be to just avoid the difficult conversations that you need to have, the disciplines that you need to apply, and the responsibilities that you need to complete. Any “coward” can take the easy way out! Don’t do that! God has called you to so much more than that. Let me leave you with the perfect mindset for 2025. It comes from God to Joshua, Israel’s new leader. It should be what we strive to do and to be each and every day. Notice Joshua 1:7-9: “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 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.”