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Brave and Bold

It is good to be brave, but it is better to brave and bold. What good, after all, is lazy bravery? It is a much better bravery that boldly challenges evil and stands for truth, rather than stands with no fear from the sidelines, as illustrated.

Gideon was a man of God, a patriot, and ultimately a martyr. When King Noah’s reign of wickedness grossly offended God, and brought the people to the brink of destruction, it was Gideon from among all who stood, drew his sword, and determined that he would stop the King.

Later, when the Lamanites were about to attack and slaughter the people of Limhi, strangely it was Gideon who counseled that the Lamanites be pacified, and that the Nephites submit to them.

“…it is better,” he said, “that we should be in bondage than that we should lose our lives…” (Mosiah 20:22)

Was he a coward, afraid to fight? No. Brave and bold is not reckless and foolish. Gideon cared more for his people than he did for his personal comfort. He saved their lives.

And again, when the Nephites were surrounded on every side with no escape from their Lamanite tormentors, it was Gideon who boldly stepped up and confidently declared,

“…listen to my words at this time, and I will … deliver this people out of bondage.” (Mosiah 22:4)

And when no one else could, it was Gideon who led his people to freedom in the land of Zarahemla.

Gideon was a man of faith who brought that same courage and boldness to his ministry. Nehor, a large and a very strong man, an anti-Christ, came into the land preaching false doctrine and leading the people astray. It was Gideon, now an old man of 80 years, who stepped between Nehor and the people of the Church, and challenged him. While the Church watched, Gideon bested Nehor with the word of God. Enraged, Nehor drew his sword and attacked the old man.

All his life Gideon stood a brave and bold soldier, and now he fell an honored martyr.

The people of Nephi so loved and respected Gideon that they named a valley and a city for their hero. The Lord so loved Gideon that in the sacred library of scriptural stories, edited by the Lord himself, Gideon stands boldly prominent.

My friends, to be brave is good, but to be brave and bold is much better!

Sources: Mosiah 19-20, 22, Alma 1-2, 6