Thought for Tuesday, October 2nd

October 2, 2012

Being A Hero

“The really great man is the man who makes every man feel great.”

-       G. K. Chesterson

   But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

1 Samuel   16:7

Heroism is usually defined by an act or deed of extreme bravery or merit that causes the purveyor of that act or deed to be deemed or esteemed as a hero.  And, truly there are many who perform acts and deeds worthy of the recognition and honor they receive.

However, spiritually speaking, what does it take to be a hero?  We have some whom we might label as hero’s of the faith, such as Paul, Moses, Daniel, Isaiah, Abraham, just to name a few: but what would constitute a modern day spiritual hero?

Wouldn’t it be someone who did their very best to emulate Jesus?  Someone who sacrifices all for the good of others: who loved in spite of the circumstances and situations: who put the needs of everyone else before their own personal needs; and someone who gave relentlessly of themselves until there was just nothing left to give?

Wouldn’t being a hero for the Kingdom of God, constitute laying it all down: giving it all away, committing to a lifestyle of sacrifice and giving: relentless loving and Christ like living?

It is probably easier to be a one time hero for an exceptional act or deed in the eyes of the world than it is to be a spiritual Kingdom hero in the eyes of God.  Because a Kingdom hero can be a perpetual state of being if we are willing to do what it takes.

I wonder how many real spiritual heroes we really have today?

Today’s Prayer

Father, I know I don’t come close to qualifying as a spiritual hero: but give me the courage and the desire to become one and the strength and grace to always be moving in the direction that will bring me closer to becoming one.

“Purify my heart

Let me be as gold

And precious silver

Purify my heart

Cleanse me from within

And make me holy

Refiner’s fire

My hearts one desire

Is to be holy

Set apart for You my Master

Ready to do your will.“

-  Lyrics from ‘Refiner’s Fire’ by Brian Doerksen