WHO ARE THE HEROES?
Many years ago when our son was young, I noticed him eating his cereal one morning. As most of us used to do, he was reading the back of the cereal box. The box was advertising “Masters of the Universe”. Then someone gave him a book on the “Masters of the Universe”. All of a sudden my righteous indignation was stirred up. “Who IS the Master of the Universe?” I asked Kyle.
I realise that all kids go through trends and fascination with imaginary heroes. However, my spirit is deeply disturbed when I see kids—dare I say, church kids—who know more about fictional heroes than they do Bible heroes. Everything from toys to DVD’s to bed linens and room decor promotes these heroes who are unrealistic and false.
Why don’t our kids have heroes in the church and heroes from the Bible that they want to be like? Have we, as parents, promoted the secular more than the spiritual? Why can’t we act out Bible stories rather than cartoons and unreal heroes from the heart of Hollywood?
I want my children and grandchildren to have Bible heroes and modern day spiritual heroes. I will always remember a precious saint of God, Betty Willeford, who was the mother of Steve Willeford, Cheryl Black and Phil Willeford. I used to stay with them a lot when my parents travelled. Betty always instilled in her kids a deep respect for the ministry and those she considered “heroes of the faith”. She told me one time that she had taught Steve that it was far greater to shake the hand of one of our church leaders than it was to be known by any politician or other famous person. I always remembered that and know that her children today still have a deep respect for the leaders of our church and show great honour to them.
What is unnerving for my generation is that so many of our heroes are passing on. Where does that put my generation? We are fast coming up to the top end when we will be considered the elders. Our elders are getting fewer and farther between. Where we live, my husband who is 73 years old is the oldest man and longest serving member of the General Board of the United Pentecostal Church of Great Britain & Ireland that is still alive. To be honest, it’s a scary feeling. I am very thankful that a few of my personal heroes are still with us and I cherish every moment I get to spend with them. Each of you reading this has your own heroes. Cherish your time with them and glean everything you can from them.
I ask myself the question, “Will anyone look to me as a hero?” I’m not interested in it for personal fame but I am interested as to whether or not my life will be one of Godliness that my children, grandchildren and the next generation will want to model themselves after.
The world will continue to produce their fantasy heroes and the younger generation will be swept up in the fads and heroes of the day. Will the church continue producing heroes that they will also want to model after? Or, will the heroes of the church just be a sweet and nostalgic memory of yesteryear?
When I reflect on the heroes my generation has looked up to I see in them sterling characteristics. They have (or had) steadfastness in the face of every obstacle, holiness both inwardly and outwardly, integrity, fairness, honesty, unswerving commitment to the Cause, loyalty to the United Pentecostal Church, LIVES OF PRAYER and complete belief and obedience to the doctrines of the Bible that we have always stood for. I see in them the passion to take the “Whole Gospel to the Whole World”. Does this present generation see these character traits and lifestyle in your life? I am challenged in my spirit to be sure that my life exemplifies these traits.
I challenge you to be sure your offspring are patterning after Bible heroes and heroes of the church. I further challenge you to become a hero or heroine in the eyes of the younger generation–not for your own glory but that Jesus might be glorified through your life. Let your life be a shining example of Godliness and graciousness.
By Jerolyn Kelley