Monday, February 1, 2016

The Hero Syndrome

The Hero Syndrome

(Warning: Biblical stuff, short reflection on 2Peter)

People nominated by history to the hero status are quickly larger than life. Talk to any hero who is still alive and they are likely to tell you they are an ordinary person who found themselves in an extraordinary situation.

Now consider the case of Peter a man who let Jesus preach in his boat and then begged him to disembark. A man who briefly walked on water before sinking. A man who cut off a man's ear with a sword and was likely aiming for his neck. A man who boasted he would never deny Jesus and then denied Jesus three times.

Peter was also the first to make The Good Confession. His sermon shortly after Jesus death was central to the birth of Christianity. Jesus said he was given the keys to the kingdom. Jesus gave him the nickname "rock i.e. Peter".

In his second letter Peter writes, "Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ."

Now answer me honestly, do you consider your faith equal standing to Peter's faith? You say, "No way. Peter is an Apostle. Peter is a Saint." I agree. This is precisely why we should believe him.

This assertion of equal standing is not merely salutary flourish but indeed central to the introduction of this short letter. "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence" 2Pet1.3

And so friends, let's appreciate the great gift of Faith. Don't think of your faith as inferior. It is not.

If you read a few verses further Peter gives advice on how to nurture your faith. For me personally these are the most inspiring verses of the letter.

"5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,
6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,
7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." 2Pet1.5-7

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