What makes a hero? 

 

Heroism is often thought of as a life-risking act of bravery. While there is truth in this, I agree with Bishop Westcott who said  "Great occasions do not make heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to the eyes of men."

 

There are a lot of ingredients that make up military bravery, but these characteristics do not appear on their own, but they flow out of some basic values.

 

Micah chapter six, the prophet speaks for God and comes down to some basics. " He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (NIV) Much of what we call integrity or good character can be boiled down to acting justly, loving mercy and a humble walk.

 

Acting justly means doing right and having a deep concern for that which is right.   Many people have been called heroes in countries where they have fought for oppression, greed, and unjust power. The kind of character that true heroism is based on is bravery and sacrifice for what is right and true and good.

 

Mercy may not seem like a normal attribute for a hero, but it is perhaps heroism's most basic tenant. The greatest acts of heroism have been founded on compassion and care for family, friends, and even strangers. To me mercy also is an ingredient in military heroism. May people have complained that we did not continue the war in Iraq until its leader was killed. Most people unaware that Gen Colin Powell asked President Bush to end the fighting because we were coming to a point in the war where it was turning into a slaughter.  Most of the enemy troops were retreating, and we were picking them off one by one, or a hundred by a hundred. It took a truly brave man to say stop the killing.

 

Humility seems far from the subject of heroism, but the type of person that has character in line with true heroism knows that what they might attain or become is based on efforts and sacrificeof others. Parents, friends, teachers, spouses, and ultimately God help each of us to grow good character. That good character will allow us to do the heroic when the opportunity comes.

 

What does God require? What do our military services require? What does true and noble heroism require? Do justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly with your God.