The Heart of a HeroExemplo

Community

Each gift of ability and strength we are blessed with is multiplied in purpose when it is offered in service to our community. However, the things that can consume the majority of our minds and hearts—success, power, pleasure, and popularity—can hold our gifts hostage. The satisfaction these things provide is temporary and not far-reaching like the significance God intends for the impact of your giftedness. And we feel that. At every point of accumulation of these human goals, we’re left longing for more.

Achievements, wealth, and talents aren’t bad in themselves. They are tools we can use for good or ill. But God has made us so that no amount of possessions can fill the gaping hole in our lives. We need something different; we need something more. We need to give and receive love. We need community.

Some think that only politicians and government leaders have responsibility for bettering the lives of people in the community. Some think that only pastors and other full-time church leaders are obliged to care for the people around them. But thankfully, that’s not the case at all. Everyone plays a vital role in the web of connectedness. Everyone has a leadership responsibility in the community.

All careers are part of God’s creativity and purpose and have a role in caring for others. The person who works deep in the mines to dig coal helps to heat the homes of families. Teachers pour knowledge and character into young lives. People who work on the assembly line make products that simplify life, freeing consumers to pursue the things that really matter.

Sometimes we miss the mark if we try to be somebody’s hero in our own strength or because we demand acclaim (or at least attention) for our efforts instead of serving to shoulder the suffering and daily needs of others. When we live first to please God, we can do without the applause of people. We will be better able to recognize that it takes an interesting and complex web of individuals with unique strengths and gifts to build a healthy home, community, city, nation, and world.

Every community has a chance to be great if everyone comes together. Every person has a chance to be a hero when he or she sheds self-preservation to become an active part of community.