Wisdom From John
What makes a hero?
Since rejoining God's team back in 1978, I have looked for individuals that I considered "Christian heroes" and have tried to pattern my life after them. Now, understand that most of these individuals would never be listed along side of those who are named in Hebrews chapter 11 because they have never shut the mouths of lions, nor built an ark. However, they all have impacted my life in a significant way and thus they have become one of my heroes.
This morning I awoke with them on my heart and I'd like to mention a few of them and, in a small way, say "Thanks for all you've done for me." But wait, perhaps I shouldn't name them. What if I forget someone? I'd feel terrible if someone important to me felt that I didn't appreciate their spiritual gift. And then, there is the possibility that someone would reveal a hidden truth about one of my heroes causing them to fall from grace and that would be a tragedy to me. So, playing it safe, let me just talk about what makes a person one of my heroes.
All my heroes are servants of the King. In Mathew 25, God explains what he looks for in a servant and I agree.
"Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty
and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing
clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers
of mine, you did for me.'" (Mathew 25:37-40) (NIV)
I have found it rather odd that most of the true servants are never noticed by the crowds for they are almost always quietly working outside of the limelight. They receive their rewards from serving God and seldom are recognized by man, but then this is the way they want it. To see them, we have to search for them behind the scenes and in the shadows of life.
Most of my heroes love the Lord and name faith in God as one of their highest priorities in life. For those heroes of mine whose love for the Lord is in question, it is totally possible they spoke of faith, but at the time I wasn't listening. All my heroes planted seeds of faith in me that others water and, eventually, I was harvested for the kingdom of God because of their labor of love.
To finish this off … most of my heroes are normal human beings possessing a normal amount of humanly faults and shortcomings. But, what makes them all a hero to me is their willingness to give without conditions. As Jesus taught, "…If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." (Mark 9:35)
And, for the record, a few of my heroes have been family pets. During my life, God has used some of the animal kingdom in order to teach me about unconditional love, trust, and faith. In the words of a good friend, "Have you ever noticed, man's best friend spelled backwards is still man's best friend."
To all my heroes, thank you for sharing your life with me and teaching me how to love the Lord. I am forever in your debt.
Have a great weekend and a super Sunday.
John Keilholz ICWAO@hotmail.com May 15, 2010
