The Heart of a HeroExemplo

Commitment

To be a heroic leader requires commitment. It requires giving up time, investing energies that could be devoted to another endeavor, spending money and other resources, foregoing comfort, experiencing disappointment, and checking our egos at the door. We don’t become somebody’s hero by living for ourselves. We become a hero when we take risks and make sacrifices so that another person might prosper.

Sometimes we see opportunities to step in and rescue someone who is perishing, as Coach Walter did. But more often, our role isn’t nearly as dramatic…or even noticed. We patiently and lovingly pour ourselves into others so they can become strong, competent, and confident—so strong, competent, and confident that they don’t need us any longer.

Genuine love doesn’t demand attention for helping, and it doesn’t create permanent dependence. Instead, this kind of love enables one to step into the shadows to let another shine.

In the wisdom of The Apostle Paul, there is great encouragement and insight for each of us bound for the hero’s way. His words illuminate both the difficulties and the joys of pressing on in our gifting and coming alongside others so that they might do the same. His relationship with Timothy is one of the best examples of loving mentorship ever recorded. Not only does it give us the perspective of a strong and committed mentor, it provides reassurances for the ups and downs we experience as we find our way and press on in wisdom toward our purpose.

As we read in Paul’s last letter to his protégé, Timothy, he reminded the young man of the depth of their connection and his commitment. Paul had invested years in Timothy’s maturity as a man of faith. He loved the young man, and he encouraged him to be all he could be. All the knowledge and skills Paul shared were meant to continue beyond Timothy, for he gave him this instruction: “Pass on what you heard from me…to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2 MSG). Timothy was called to carry forth a legacy of service.

Our task is to do the same—to pay it forward, to pass on every positive thing people have given and shared with us as we walk our own path.