It’s no news
that we live in a culture of individualism. That in itself is hard on
community, but it also gives rise to the personality cult. No longer are we
satisfied with good leaders; they must be charismatic individuals that we adore
and keep us entranced by their charm.
There’s
nothing wrong with attractiveness unless it replaces honesty and integrity.
It’s too easy to fall for some pleasant affability at the expense of genuine
compassion that must undergird any appealing facade. Leadership without concern
for others leads to the superficiality that plagues our current culture.
Just as
damaging, it leads to an undervaluing of lesser mortals, namely, most of us,
who are easily clumped into the “ordinary” peasantry, and whose influence is considered
negligible, let alone worthy of leadership.
So, am I an
“ordinary” mother or father? Do I hold down an “ordinary” job, or lead an
“ordinary” life?
The answer
is a resounding “NO.”
I’ve placed
the word “ordinary” in quotes because that person, including you and me, does
not exist. We are all extraordinary, (extra-ordinary, if that’s not an
oxymoron), if only because God created each one of us unique.
We do not attain
lasting influence by our outgoing character, striking looks, well informed
intellect, achievements, or fame. It is by being compassionate, gracious, patient,
loving, faithful, forgiving and just; expressing eternal values that reflect
the image of God given to all of us.
I frequently
note an older, seeming insignificant person, or worker holding down a menial
task, and realize they have those simple qualities that make them the greatest
in the kingdom of God. Their influence, however small, will last a lifetime and
beyond, immeasurably longer than any alluring charm.
Recognizing
this, I am constantly encouraged, and I pray you are too, by the fact that we
can be heroes of the faith, simply by fulfilling whatever God has called us to,
however trivial, mundane, or basic it may seem. Does this mean we can join with
Abraham, Moses, Calvin, or Billy Graham in the Great Hall of Faith?
This answer
is a ringing “YES,” for “whoever humbles himself like this child is the
greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4.
