Who’s the Real Hero?
I have a dear friend whose accomplishments earned him several distinguished medals and citations for his military career. Yet, he bristles when you even suggest he might be a “hero.” He had a duty to do and did his duty for over twenty-five years. But he refuses to accept the label of “hero.” He declares he was “just a soldier.”
Another acquaintance of mine once held a job where quick thinking and careful handling determined if a victim of an auto accident lived or died. He once was on a run where four teens were badly injured in a crash. One victim was expelled from the vehicle quite some distance from the crash scene and had broken her neck. EMS could not reach her with a backboard or stokes, and she was in excruciating pain. This EMT cradled her head between his thumb and forefinger and carefully carried her up the muddy, rainy bank to the awaiting ambulance. His superiors claimed that she would be at least paralyzed because of his action, and she could die. All would be his fault! But a few weeks later, that young lady came to the EMT’s station, and hugged him, thanking him for saving her life! A hero? Not in his estimation. He’s just a man who did what he could to help a seriously injured teenager.
In today’s world, we often consider military, firefighters, law enforcers, medical personnel, etc., as “heroes.” To some, teachers or coaches are “heroes.” For children, sometimes their parents are “heroes.” We hail such persons as “heroes” because of their bravery, their leadership, or their expertise in some extraordinary fashion. Heroes are “superpowers” in our minds, and we revere them!
When we read Hebrews chapter eleven, we’re reading about “heroes of faith.” For each one, the Spirit prefaces their heroic actions with the phrase, “by faith.” Still, we esteem these highly and learn from their examples as we diligently seek God (Hebrews 11:6). Yet, we ask: are these souls the “heroes” or is the true hero THEIR FAITH? The writer begins with a strong definition of faith, saying, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.” (1:1) We read from verse six, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for they that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” So again, which is the true hero: the soul whose works are exemplary, or the faith that prompted that soul to accomplish what God told them?
Consider Philippians 4:13. Though Paul did all righteous things through Jesus Christ, who strengthened him, he never claimed to be a “hero.” He labored more abundantly than all the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:10) and never claimed to be a “hero.” Instead, he preached Christ, and Him crucified, teaching the gospel as the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). Paul refused to accept the esteem and, with humility, credited the heroics of his work to Christ.
Sometimes, Christians make “heroes” of brethren, and often for the same reasons we make heroes of honored men and women in our lives. They can be deserving, as we’re told regarding elders, “esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.” (1 Thessalonians 5:13) In fact, all of us could be so labeled if esteem is what we equate with heroism (Philippians 2:3). But is esteem of a soul’s actions for good what makes them a true hero, or is it the proof of their faith; the works that must accompany our faith, works that make faith alive (James 2:17)?
Like most youngsters, I had my “heroes” in life. Some were fictional, some were authoritative, and most were just individuals who demonstrated a powerful influence upon me and prompted the statement, “I want to be like them.” The greatest of these “heroes” were the ones who humbled themselves from their heights of achievement to pay some attention to me, an unknown, inquisitive kid, who found something admirable about them. They actually spoke to me and made me feel important to them!
That’s what makes heroes, heroes! Examine those listed in Hebrews 11 and note how each one took the time to TALK TO OTHERS about their greatest value. By inspiration, we learn their greatest value was their FAITH, for we read of each one, “By faith,” they did what they did! That FAITH came from hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17) and was proven by what these souls did (James 2).
Jesus taught this same procedure when He said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). Therefore, it isn’t US, in the flesh, who are the “heroes,” but the LIGHT in us that comes by FAITH coupled with our OBEDIENCE. Just as Jesus did, we take the time to talk to those who are, shall we say, fascinated by our lives and the RIGHTEOUS accomplishments achieved because of our diligence in serving God acceptably in reverence and godly fear. No, we’re not “heroes” in the worldly sense: we’re merely servants of the most high God, doing what is our duty to do (Luke 17:10). If our example leads others to obedience of the gospel of Christ, it is still Christ Jesus who is the true “hero.” He died that we might live eternally! Our obedience to Him assures this eternal life (