Some say never meet your heroes because they’re sure to disappoint you.
In a lot of ways we all have this tendency to elevate celebrities, sports stars and others onto pedestals of glory and fame. We can often place a higher estimation of their character and moral fortitude without even truly knowing them. I recall how mortified and disillusioned many Christians were when, after the death of Ravi Zacharias, prominent theologian, teacher and evangelist, stories of deviant and immoral sexual behavior were told about him. What a tremendous marring to his legacy and reputation. Whatever good he had done in life was completely consumed by this dark and abhorrent predatory behavior.

At first glance we often do not have the full measure or understanding of someone’s true character. And it can become a cautionary tale of both wrongfully elevating other humans to places they do not and should not deserve, while at the same it should compel us to explore every aspect of our own personal faith journey. Romans 12:3 (NIV) says, “For by the grace given me I (Paul) say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” When we elevate ourselves and assume places of prominence we risk not only becoming arrogant but losing sight of who holds ultimate Authority and we might assume the place of God.

Our world is already full of narcissistic behaviors that ruin lives and extort our time and energy. Sometimes we fall prey to other’s narcissism while other times we are the perpetrators of our own selfish behavior. I would venture a guess that all of us are equally culpable of these self-absorbed tendencies from time to time. Do you know what eliminates this hero complex in us? We are called upon to die to this old way of thinking and living. Jesus said in Matthew 16:24 “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

No one desires to wash feet. It is not in our fallen nature to assume the role of servant.
And yet, Jesus set an example for us to follow. John 13:14-17 (NIV) says, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. ¹⁶ Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. ¹⁷ Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

No one should meet their heroes – for disappointment could follow. Similarly, we ought to not think so highly of ourselves. This doesn’t mean that we should have a low opinion of ourselves, or low confidence in the gifts God has given us. Rather, we should utilize these gifts to completely bring glory and honor to God instead of ourselves. If we strive to ‘make a name for ourselves’ we run the risk of exchanging God’s glory for our own. I would rather er on the side of caution and give all glory and honor to the One who governs my steps.

May His beauty be seen in what you choose to do and say, and may the Author and Perfector of your faith govern your steps and your motivations.
-Something more to ponder today.