Valor II

The word valor originates from the Late Latin valorem and means strength or moral worth.[1] In the sense of strength, we think of one’s mind or spirit that enables them to take on danger or engage in acts of bravery and courage. In the sense of moral worth, valor is displayed by an unshakeable commitment to right conduct and virtue. A person who honorably refuses to engage in wrongdoing despite the pressure to do so displays valor.

​Meditation
Micah 3:8--As for me, however, I am filled with power by the Spirit of the Lord, with justice and courage, to proclaim to Jacob his rebellion and to Israel his sin.
 
The prophet Micah was from an insignificant town, Moresheth, southwest of Jerusalem in Judah.[2] Micah lived when Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah ruled as Judah’s kings (730-690 BC). Jotham “did what was right in the LORD’s sight just as his father Uzziah had done” (2 Chronicles 27:2). Ahaz, “did not do what was right in the LORD’s sight” (28:1). Hezekiah “did what was right in the LORD’s sight just as his ancestor David had done” (29:2).
           
Despite the threat to his life, Micah boldly confronted the leaders and people of the northern kingdom of Israel as well as tyrants in his own country. Especially in the north, those who were in power engaged in bribery confiscated the fields and belongings of their citizens, oppressed the poor, and abused women and children. Does this sound familiar?

Valor requires discernment and discretion.  It means understanding what is evil, the consequences of compromise, the danger of passivity, and the influence of fear and what must be done. William Shakespeare wrote, “Discretion is the better part of valor.”

Valor requires prayer. It means calling upon God for His direction, guidance, and power.  Michel de Montaigne said, “Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul.” God is supremely able to fill the soul with courage.

Valor requires action. It means taking a stand and speaking against what is wrong, or directly engaging the threat, even if it means acting alone. If the whole village races to leap off the bridge, the one going in the opposite direction is often the person ridiculed. Yet, that person may have supplanted panic with perspective.

Finally, valor requires help. Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus testified that “Valor is superior to number.”  Yet, the one who initiates in words or conduct still must be supported. David’s single rock dropped Goliath because his countrymen were afraid. Once they saw his success they were emboldened to fight and defeat the Philistines—something David could not do alone.
 
Inspiration
“True valor, on virtue founded strong, meets all events alike.”—David Mallet
 
©2024 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  To receive these devotionals, go to www.firstcause.org and click the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed, subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice.     
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)


[1] https://www.etymonline.com/word/valor

[2] The Tony Evans Study Bible, Christian Standard Bible, (2019) Holman Bible Publishers. This and following information about Micah are from this source.