What is “cowardly”?

Answer:

The Greek word deilos refers to someone who is fearful or timid. It is the type of fear caused by a lack of faith. "He said to them, 'Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?'" (Matthew 8:26).

Too many people never attempt to do what God commands because don't fully trust God and are afraid of the potential consequences. It isn't that fears don't exist, but rather, God is calling on us to act despite our personal fears. He is asking us to be courageous. Thus, people don't become Christians because they are afraid of what their parents might say. They don't say "no" to sex because they are afraid to lose their boyfriend or girlfriend. They don't stand up to a violent person because they are afraid of getting hurt or killed. They don't change because they are afraid God has rejected them.

"For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God" (II Timothy 1:7-8).

"Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, a people in whose heart is My law; do not fear the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings" (Isaiah 51:7).

As Moses told the Israelites:

"The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed" (Deuteronomy 31:8).

God said basically the same thing to Joshua:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).

In a very real sense, we represent God to the world. If we show fear, then we are saying those in the world have power over us. We must be confident in the God we follow, confident that we know His teachings, and bold in presenting them to others.