Hero
"Hero" is a strong word. It conjures up superman-like images, superman-like strength, and also an awesome ability to fly.
In real life, a hero looks much differently.
In real life, a hero steps up to do the small things that others don't have time for, don't see how it advances them personally, don't want to get involved with because it's too messy or painful or seems unworthy of their time.
Luke 16:10 - "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
We practice with the littles of life.
I have been saddened to see fellow believers in the Kingdom of God be very willing to celebrate and dance, but not so willing to kneel. I don't think you can truly dance until you've truly knelt.
I watch people say that being a warrior with authority is what we should all be - but sometimes they are not men or women of their word, of faithfulness, of consistency, of pure heart and speech and motive. Calling half truths adequate - instead of calling them lies. Wanting to make themselves famous instead of the Name of the Lord famous.
Luke 16:10 - "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
Last weekend, when Dennis was in such pain and I was praying, the image of a couple in our church came to my mind frequently and with clarity. It wasn't the "pray for them" kind of thing. It was the "they are standing for you" kind of thing. Standing in the secret place. For someone who needs help. Hero.
A couple with 2 small children already, taking in 3 littles that need a home - one with the stomach flu the first night. Hero.
A person just willing to BE there, with no answers, just their presence in the time of waiting. Hero.
Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. IT IS THE LORD CHRIST WHOM YOU SERVE.
Hebrews 11 talks about heros of the faith - some that never saw what they were promised. I pray that you will hold on, even if you don't get to see what you were promised in this life...
...others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection, and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword....men of whom the world was not worthy....... Heros.
I truly believe we are not prepared to face the big stuff if we've skated on the small things.
Luke 16:10 - "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
Matthew 25:23 - Well done! You are a good and faithful servant. You've been faithful over a little. I'll put you in charge of much. Come, celebrate with me.
Evidently, Jesus thinks the small things are important too...
In real life, a hero looks much differently.
In real life, a hero steps up to do the small things that others don't have time for, don't see how it advances them personally, don't want to get involved with because it's too messy or painful or seems unworthy of their time.
Luke 16:10 - "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
We practice with the littles of life.
I have been saddened to see fellow believers in the Kingdom of God be very willing to celebrate and dance, but not so willing to kneel. I don't think you can truly dance until you've truly knelt.
I watch people say that being a warrior with authority is what we should all be - but sometimes they are not men or women of their word, of faithfulness, of consistency, of pure heart and speech and motive. Calling half truths adequate - instead of calling them lies. Wanting to make themselves famous instead of the Name of the Lord famous.
Luke 16:10 - "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
Last weekend, when Dennis was in such pain and I was praying, the image of a couple in our church came to my mind frequently and with clarity. It wasn't the "pray for them" kind of thing. It was the "they are standing for you" kind of thing. Standing in the secret place. For someone who needs help. Hero.
A couple with 2 small children already, taking in 3 littles that need a home - one with the stomach flu the first night. Hero.
A person just willing to BE there, with no answers, just their presence in the time of waiting. Hero.
Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. IT IS THE LORD CHRIST WHOM YOU SERVE.
Hebrews 11 talks about heros of the faith - some that never saw what they were promised. I pray that you will hold on, even if you don't get to see what you were promised in this life...
...others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection, and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword....men of whom the world was not worthy....... Heros.
I truly believe we are not prepared to face the big stuff if we've skated on the small things.
Luke 16:10 - "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
Matthew 25:23 - Well done! You are a good and faithful servant. You've been faithful over a little. I'll put you in charge of much. Come, celebrate with me.
Evidently, Jesus thinks the small things are important too...
Comments
I was also pondering "hero" this week, and thinking how the common concept of hero includes a pedestal, and that is so not what we are to respect or be.