Would You Like to Be a Modern-day Hero?
Are you a hero?
What comes to mind when you think about heroes? Do you think of fictional characters like the superheroes of comic books and movies? Or do you think of true-life heroic figures?
We all like heroes and stories about heroes. Perhaps the favorite hero type is the one who rises up out of obscurity to overcome great odds. Think of all those Rocky movies and a multitude of war films with unsung heroes.
Many heroes are unexpected or unlikely. There were thousands who stepped into action during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We may never know all their individual stories and the people they helped. One biblical hero that stands out for many of us is the young shepherd David. He defeats the giant Goliath and later becomes the favored king of Israel.
The stereotype of those whom we consider heroes are men and women who face and overcome great odds in a way that benefits others. These are people we look up to because of their extraordinary actions or character, or a combination of both these qualities.
But what if we could all be like heroes or mighty warriors? Is this even possible?
This verse in Proverbs speaks of an inner strength greater than any external strength typically associated with heroes. In fact, some heroes people look up to wouldn’t qualify because they lack this internal strength of character.
The first conscientious objector to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor was an unlikely hero because of his religious convictions and size. Two movies memorialize his valor. One is the gory but well-done movie, Hacksaw Ridge, and the other is a documentary film, The Conscientious Objector.
Thankfully, these films show Desmond Doss as a man of substantial character and values that exceed his wartime exploits. His life and how he handled mistreatment by others is an illustration of what is expressed in this verse at the end of Proverbs 16.
Scripture
Better to get angry slowly than to be a hero.
Better to be even-tempered than to capture a city.
(Context—Proverbs 16:25-33 GW)
Simple insights
When we look at the larger context of verse 32, the verses immediately before it stand in stark contrast. Verses 25-30 (except verse 26) speak of the results or consequences of “the way that seems right to a person” (Proverbs 16:25).
I link this last verse in Proverbs 16 to the previous thoughts in verses 16-24. The contrast between the way of a wise person and “the way that seems right” is intentional. We see it in our present post-modern culture.
Many people are choosing their own ways and their own truth rather than the way of wisdom. But the “way that seems right to a person” is fraught with unintended and unwanted consequences, and it leads to death rather than life.
A person who is slow to anger and even-tempered is greater than either a fictional hero or those who appear as heroes according to popular opinion. Especially in our current polarized culture full of vitriolic slurs and accusations found so often on social media.
Being slow to anger is obviously in contrast to being quick-tempered. A person who is quick-tempered is reactive and shows a lack of control over their emotions.
Again, to be even-tempered, or as another version says it—one who “rules his spirit”—shows an internal strength and sense of control over their emotions.
For most of us, this isn’t so natural. Some of us may have a temper that flares up easily and often, while others may only allow their temper to get out of control occasionally. And some of us have more self-control than others.
But our self isn’t so easy to control day in and day out. Certain circumstances and situations, and people, get under our skin and bring the worst out of us. Yes, sometimes anger is an appropriate response to a situation, but most of the time it’s not.
Self-control governed by an internal strength—a strength of character and spirit—is the key to being a person who is even-tempered and slow to get angry.
We can develop this internal strength of character and spirit when God’s Spirit and His word of truth are at work within us and shaping our character. In another place in the Bible, we see that self-control is the fruit or effect of the Spirit of God living and at work within us (Galatians 5:23).
So, a genuine hero—someone who is a blessing to others and respected in daily life—is someone who is slow to get angry and even-tempered. Someone of strong character and spirit who draws their strength from the Spirit of God and the truth of God.
They will be a hero in God’s eyes day in and day out and draw respect from most people, even those who may appear as enemies.
The question is—Will you and I choose to be heroic in this way?
Reflection—
Self-control governed by an internal strength—a strength of character and spirit—is the key to being a person who is even-tempered and slow to get angry. A person who submits their life and emotions to the Lord.
Prayer Focus—
Since self-control is a fruit of God’s Spirit living and working in a person, simply ask God to grant you this each day. Perhaps throughout each day! As you come before the Lord in prayer, ask Him for this and be willing to let Him do His work in you to do so.
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