I'm No Hero
The movie’s main plot revolved around the planting of the flag on Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima in World War II, what some consider the turning point of the war. I found the sub-plot of the three main characters to be the most engaging part of the story. Each one of them dealt with the reality of being lauded as “the Heroes of Iwo Jima” in vastly different ways. To varying degrees, each of them felt somewhat uncomfortable with the title because they did not see themselves as heroes. While they were the ones pictured planting the flag, each knew that the flag they had planted on that hill was merely a replacement for the one that others had planted on the hill on the initial surge up the hill. It seems that the photo, while not necessarily staged, was not a picture of the actual event.
One embraced the opportunity and got as much out of it as he could. Another could never come to grips with it and drank heavily to forget about it. The third never felt comfortable, but seemed to feel that if it could aid the war effort, he needed to just “do his part” to help out. In the end, none of them really ever reconciled themselves to being called heroes, claiming that no one is a hero that had seen the things that they had witnessed.
While I have, in no way, had to endure the struggles that they, or other veterans of war, have suffered, I must confess that I have wrestled with concept of unwarranted praise that has been given to me.
I am regularly thanked for sermons that I preach, lauded for good deeds that I have done, honored for sacrifices that others perceive that I have made, etc. In truth, it makes me feel very uncomfortable, not because I don’t appreciate it, but because I know the truth about myself. I sometimes outwardly and, even more often, inwardly accept admiration from others that belongs solely to God. While I’m fairly certain I have never been called a “hero of the faith” I do know that, like most people, I enjoy it when others show appreciation to me for things that I have done.
The trouble is, how much adulation am I, as a Christian entitled to? For instance, we have the example of Herod from the book of Acts:
On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat down on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.
Acts 12:21-23 … NIV
Ouch! What a way to go there. Obviously, this is an extreme example from a guy who clearly had spiritual issues before this. Plus, I am sure that few of us have ever been called a god. However, if we accept that what we are doing as Christians is for God, through God, by God and because of God, how do we handle it when people express appreciation to us for that which God has done?
For starters, we remind ourselves of where our strength and motivation for such things comes from. As the prophet Zechariah stated:
"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty.
Zechariah 4:6 … NIV
It would probably also help if we regularly reflect the praise to God, reminding others who might put us on a pedestal that we are recovering sinners, just as they are. You think it didn’t make Peter (who denied the Lord on the night of his crucifixion) feel uncomfortable when Cornelius bowed down at his feet. Peter tells Cornelius:
Stand up … I am only a man myself.
Acts
Of course, there is no need to alienate or hurt someone who thanks you for kindness, sacrifice or effort you have offered by correcting their mistake in front of others or making a big deal about it. “Don’t thank me; I have done nothing for you. It was the Lord. I am but a vessel.” Often, this comes across as self-righteous and condescending to someone who is simply expressing their gratitude.
Instead, as a mature, loving Christian, recognize that those things you do for others, you’re doing in his name and for his sake. While you don’t have to contradict everyone who offers thanks, remember to give glory to God at all times.
Finally, it would be a good practice to always take a moment to express your appreciation and thanks to God when others honor you with his praise for something you have done. After all, he is entitled to it for all that he has done for us and through us.
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