Decide to Be Bold: A 10-Day Brave Coaches JourneySample

Boldness that Leaves a Legacy

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

“The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.” – Benjamin Disraeli

Boldness is not just a moment—it is a lifestyle that leaves a legacy. A bold man doesn’t just make courageous choices in one season but lives consistently with faith and conviction over the course of his life. At the end of his journey, the apostle Paul could confidently say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” His legacy continues to inspire believers to this very day.

Polycarp, a bishop of the early church and a disciple of the apostle John, provides a powerful example of this kind of legacy. At 86 years old, he was arrested and brought before Roman officials who demanded he deny Christ. They promised his freedom if he would renounce his faith. Instead, Polycarp boldly declared, “Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has never done me wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” Refusing to compromise, he was martyred by fire. His courage still inspires Christians around the world, reminding us that a life of boldness leaves an enduring testimony.

Another legacy-shaping example is William Tyndale, the English reformer who devoted his life to translating the Bible into English so that ordinary people could read God’s Word for themselves. At that time, owning or translating Scripture in English was forbidden, and Tyndale lived much of his life in hiding. Yet his conviction drove him on. Betrayed and captured in 1536, he was executed for his bold faith. His final words were, “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes.” His prayer was answered, and today nearly every English Bible translation carries Tyndale’s influence. His boldness left a legacy of Scripture that continues to transform lives.

A different kind of boldness is seen in C.S. Lewis, one of the most influential Christian writers of the 20th century. Once an avowed atheist, Lewis surrendered to Christ and used his intellect, imagination, and pen to boldly defend the faith in a skeptical age. His book Mere Christianity, adapted from BBC radio broadcasts during World War II, presented the gospel with clarity and courage to a nation in turmoil. Beyond apologetics, Lewis infused the gospel into storytelling through The Chronicles of Narnia, where the character of Aslan vividly portrayed Christ to generations of readers.

Lewis’s boldness was not only intellectual but also deeply personal. After losing his wife Joy to cancer, he wrote A Grief Observed, honestly wrestling with suffering and faith. His willingness to be vulnerable showed that true boldness is not only about standing firm against opposition but also about walking faithfully through pain. Today, his works continue to disciple believers, reach skeptics, and inspire countless people to think deeply about Christ.

Bold men inspire generations. Their legacy is not built on wealth, achievements, or accolades but on faith, courage, and uncompromising devotion to Christ. Every decision you make today is shaping the story others will tell about you tomorrow. Legacy is not just what you leave behind when you die—it’s what you’re living out right now.

The Brave Truth: Boldness today builds a legacy tomorrow. Live faithfully now so that generations after you will be pointed to Christ through your example.

Ask yourself: What legacy of boldness am I leaving behind? One day, others will look back on your life. May they see a man who lived boldly for Christ, without compromise.

Action Step: Write a prayer dedicating your life to living boldly for Christ. Ask God to help you leave a legacy of faith, courage, and uncompromising devotion that points others to Him.

Reflection Questions

1. What kind of legacy am I building through my daily choices right now?
2. How do the examples of Polycarp, Tyndale, and C.S. Lewis challenge me to live with consistency and courage?
3. If my life ended today, what would others say about my boldness for Christ?