People of Courage: Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill served as British Prime Minister during World War II.  Almost single handedly, he rallied the nation to keep fighting when all hope seemed lost.  His stirring speeches inspired his countrymen to go on when their defeat appeared certain.

He told the British people, “Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire and Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.’”  He motivated a weary nation with these words, “We shall fight on the beaches. We shall fight on the landing grounds. We shall fight in the fields, and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender!”

In the midst of the war, Churchill was invited to speak to the students at his grammar school.  The headmaster instructed the students to pay close attention and take careful notes for they were sure to hear an important message.

The room was absolutely silent as Churchill stepped to the microphone.  He gazed out at his audience making eye contact with each person in attendance.  He cleared his throat and said in a loud voice, “Never give in.”

He paused for a full minute before repeating more loudly, “Never give in!”  After another long pause he shouted at the top of his lungs, “Never, never, never, never!!”

He went on to say, “In nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.”  He then sat down.

The headmaster was right.  Winston Churchill had an important message for those students – and for us.  No matter how hard things get, we must continue our journey and “Never give in!”  There is no turning back if we want to make a difference for Christ.

Winston Churchill was a person of courage. Throughout the 1930’s he warned of the dangers of Nazi Germany, and urged Great Britain to rearm. Few people agreed with his viewpoint, and the British government didn’t increase production of war supplies.

In May, 1940 Churchill was elected Prime Minister and remained in office throughout the war. His courage, tenacity, encouragement, and steadfastness was an inspiration to the British people when they stood alone again the spread of Nazi Germany throughout Europe.

When the war ended in 1945, Churchill ran for re-election – and lost. He immediately assumed the position of leader of the opposition party with the same courage and determination he had demonstrated during the war years.  He was re-elected in 1951 and served as Prime Minister until he retired in 1955. When he died in 1965 the Queen granted him the honor of a state funeral attended by the largest gathering of world leaders ever. He is considered one of the most influential leaders in British history.

It’s unlikely that you or I will be thrust upon the world stage in such a dire moment of history. Your influence is more likely to be among your family, friends, workplace colleagues, and community organizations. But it is no less important for you to demonstrate the same character qualities reflected in the person of Winston Churchill. He represented his nation, Great Britain; you represent your Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Although Winston Churchill was a great man, his influence will be temporal; your influence on others will have eternal impact.

His sage advice still rings through the years. “Never give up!”

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