The Importance of Prudence

[Dr. Shane]

Men of faith have long been known to be men of courage.  We saw a graphic demonstration of this in the movie Hacksaw Ridge.  Desmond Doss was running into a battle that others were running away from.  This type of courage comes from humility.  It doesn't come from a desire to impress or intimidate.  Desmond Doss valued the lives of others more than his own.  He was humble.  It was from that humility that his courage was born.  

Prudence is a trait that is needed to partner with courage.  Prudence stands between cowardice and courage.  Courage without prudence can quickly become reckless.  Prudence allows courage to be exercised effectively in such a way that spiritual principles are not discarded in an effort to achieve a desired goal.  I have seen courageous men and women behave in imprudent ways in order to attain a highly sought after goal.  The ends do not justify the means when we have to infringe on the rights of others to accomplish a purpose we have set out to.  Prudence is a rational evaluation that balances the risks to others, and to self, when setting about to accomplish a goal.