A Cause Greater Than Yourself

Identical twins Jason and David Benham grew up dreaming of playing professional baseball. But when the young men found themselves out of college without baseball contracts, they realized God had different plans.

Both young men got real estate licenses and found themselves flipping houses—buying houses, fixing them up, and selling them for a profit. Their company grew exponentially and the demand for their speaking and consulting services skyrocketed. They poured their company’s profits into ministries that gave people jobs and the gospel.

Then Home and Garden Television (HGTV) called, offering them a multi-year contract to host their own show. In April 2014, HGTV began filming. Major advertisers loved the show, but the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) didn’t. They’d heard the Benhams’ outspoken stance about biblical marriage and pro-life values. GLAAD organized an attack on HGTV, forcing the cancellation of the show.

The Benham brothers became one of the biggest stories on social media as they faced a firestorm of criticism. Yet only a few prominent pastors went public to support the duo. Here was a chance to take a stand for two guys who refused to compromise their Christian values, yet Christian leaders gave in to their fears.

The biblical character of David also faced a choice between fear and trusting God. When God called David to fight the giant Goliath, David could have played it safe. His entire life and career would be jeopardized if he got involved.

But David said, “Is there not a cause?” (1 Samuel 17:29, KJV).

Yes, there was a cause. It was a cause greater than David’s future. It was a cause that transcended David’s own comfort. It was a cause worth dying for. The cause was God’s own reputation. That is what it came down to for David, for the Benham brothers, and for every follower of Jesus who is tempted to play it safe.

Is there not a cause in our day as cultural and political giants continue to defy God? When you have a cause that is greater than yourself, you will move beyond fear and step out in faith.

Are there giants in your life that you are avoiding?

As David and the Benhams did, take a moment and recount what God has done in your life (1 Samuel 17:37).

List two or three occasions in your life when God gave you the victory.