“But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.” 1 Peter 2:20; 3:17
A week ago we observed the 77th anniversary of D-Day and remembered the sacrifice of heroic lives on that day. I consider their sacrifice to be heroic. There had to be moment of fear before taking that first step out of the landing craft or jumping out of an airplane surrounded by darkness and explosions. I wonder how much of that measure of courage is within our cultural gene pool today.
We need heroes like there were back in the day; I mean genuine heroes, authentic men and women who are admired for their achievements, noble qualities, and courage. Such people aren't afraid to be different; they take risks. They stand a cut above. Yet they are real human beings, sinful with flaws and failures like anyone else. But they inspire us to do better. We feel warm inside when we think about this rare breed of humanity. The kind we can look up to without the slightest suspicion of deception or hypocrisy. The kind who model excellence when no one is looking or for that matter when half the world is looking like it did in 1944.
I don’t know about you, but I'm concerned that we seem to be running out of heroes like that. Certainly, there are some, but not nearly as many, it seems, as when I was a small boy. Back then I distinctly recall looking up to numerous people in various segments of society; politics, athletics, music, education, science, the military, religion; all of whom not only stood tall during their moments of excellence, but they finished well too. Yes, they finished well. People fondly remembered their name, their story and shared how their story impacted their lives.
You may be surprised to know that for any number of people, you are the person others point to. It may be in the place where you work, the next door neighbor, the person who sits in the same pew and no one has even told you. As you look at the photo of this classroom in rural Haiti, look closely at the two male teachers; they are heroes for Christ to the children and their families as well. These two guys and these school kids are heroes for the Kingdom. And you, the pot full of rice and beans cooking on the coals is from you; doing Kingdom work. You are a hero.
If you are one of the people putting food in that pot, then you're not like the majority of this world. You're living differently, and I commend you for it. It takes unusual people to make a difference in our world. Mediocre people impact no one, at least not for good purposes; not for Kingdom building. But one person of truth, like you, can impact the whole world!
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay