One of my favorite movies, Braveheart, with actor Mel Gibson, shares the story of William Wallace, a nobleman who rose up to fight for Scottish independence from France. There was also a man named Robert the Bruce who fought alongside William Wallace. In the movie, he betrays William but then later rises up to lead Scotland to freedom. No such betrayal between the two men ever took place in real history. However, Robert the Bruce was considered one of Scotland’s greatest warriors.

After living a hard-fought life, he had requested that upon his death, his heart be taken to the Holy Land and carried in the fight against the enemies of Christ. A close friend and fellow warrior, James Douglas, was at his bedside and took on the request. The heart of Robert the Bruce was removed, embalmed, and placed in a small container that Douglas carried around his neck. Douglas fought battle after battle with the heart of his king close to his own. In Douglas’ final battle against the Moors (the war that would ultimately take his life), he found himself surrounded by the enemy. Knowing that he would fight to his death, it is said that he removed the heart from around his neck and threw it into the midst of the enemy and shouted, “Onward brave heart, as thou wast ever wont, and Douglas will follow thee or die.” To this day, there is a plaque in Teba, Spain, to honor the bravery and service of James Douglas.

Onward is the language of a follower of Christ. They desire action that will not only make a difference but also have a significant impact on the lives of others. Faithful followers of Christ are always looking forward to a greater future and are driven by the idea that what they do matters. 

To make an impact, we must understand how to live with purpose and mission in all we do. Here’s how to have Braveheart faith:

1. Start With Why

When you know your why you can find the way. But when you lose your why, you’ll begin to lose your way. We must never forget what this life is all about…loving the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and loving our neighbors as ourselves. Always start with your heart. Make sure you live out of a grateful and genuine place of worship.  

2. Be Intentional

Life can only be fulfilled when we live with intentionality. You can’t be your best without effort. Disciples of Christ have to live with discipline. Spirituality requires intentionality. There are two ways to live: reactively or proactively. You can take life as it comes or make it as you go. Unfortunately, most people just accept their lives as is instead of intentionally leading them. They hope things will turn out better, but they don’t put in the effort to actually make them better. 

3. Be Bold

Playing it safe is one of the riskiest places to be. Moving forward requires you to make bold moves at times. Believe big and push further. Never allow your discouragement or fear to keep you from your cause’s potential. Don’t retreat because it is a safe thing to do. Make bold moves that are strategic and purposeful. We have nothing to fear as followers of Christ. When we trust God is in control of everything, we can walk confidently in His sovereignty. The goal of life should be to die with many memories, not unfilled dreams.