A hero is defined, according to the dictionary, as "a person noted for courageous acts or nobility of character." I think sometimes we throw the word around a little too loosely. Someone we admire, for instance, might be termed "my hero," but "courageous acts" or "nobility of character" may not really be in view. And we will use the term, "unsung hero," in a similar way, possibly referring to someone who didn't get the fame or celebrity status we think they should. Genuine heroes, though, I think are often unsung. They do great deeds of courage and character and go unnoticed. And, of course, that's partly because a person of truly noble character will be humble.
I think of the wife who submits to her husband as to the Lord even when he is disobedient to the Word (Eph 5:22-24; 1 Peter 3:1-4). These women are few and far between. If they are noticed, the typical response is ridicule, not appreciation. But the faith this takes, trusting God over all else, is courageous, bespeaking a real nobility of character. I think of the husband who sacrifices self to love His wife without regard for his own wants or wishes (Eph 5:25-27). It's not human. As one Christian counselor told me, "That's crazy." Because it is in direct opposition to basic human nature, an ongoing act of real bravery in the face of self and society. I think of parents who love their children above "stuff" and status and the world. Fathers bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph 6:4). Who does that anymore? Most leave it to public school devoid of God and to Sunday School teachers and to their peers and the rest. These parents are as rare as can be, but they are courageous and noble and are unsung heroes in my book.
Just a few examples. If a real hero is to have a noble character, it requires that they have a functioning relationship with Christ. If a true hero is to be courageous, it requires that they have a vibrant and solid faith in the God who supplies. These people are not common. We don't encounter too many. Most are unassuming, quiet, and gentle, but not wavering. They don't do it for the accolades, which is good, because there are precious few for this kind of hero -- a sincere follower of Christ, dying to self daily and seeking to serve Him and His people at every turn. Unsung heroes.
4 comments:
We so often see those who receive high military honors (MOH, DSC) who downplay their actions and give credit to others. I think that the kind of people you are referring to are the ones least likely to seek attention for their actions.
We need to be more conscious of those around us that are quietly serving God and give them the thanks they need to encourage them.
The godly wife, husband, parent--“unassuming, quiet, and gentle, but not wavering” in their selfless obedience to the Lord and sacrificial devotion to others--are a rare breed, as you say. (I am blessed to be married to one of those special men you describe--although I suppose he is not truly an “unsung hero,” as I sing his praises all the time!) I am mindful that those “unsung heroes” who live for God’s commendation (and who might indeed be unheralded in this life) will get that song of praise--in Heaven, when crowns are awarded (1 Cor. 9:25, etc.) and the humble shall be exalted (Luke 14:8).
Absolutely. So many people are serving YHWH quietly and would appreciate the encouragement from other believers. I would argue that more churches should be publicly recognizing all of their volunteers regularly.
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