Unsung Heroes

We love our heroes... in sports... in movies... and even in ministry. I can remember how, back at preacher school, we preacher boys would dash to hear the latest mega-church pastor who came to town. We'd read his books as if they were classics. We'd pattern our ministries after him. Some would even preach his sermons (though never me, right?), replicating our hero's style right down to the slightest mannerism.

Now I praise God for those men called to the great churches and growing mission fields within our convention. I myself have learned much from them. The effect of their leadership cannot be ignored.

But...

This week God opened my eyes to a wonderful reality. For every high-profile, mega-church pastor across the SBC, there are hundreds of unsung heroes. These heroes are the men who serve faithfully in the remote, hard, and slow to grow mission fields. I have the privilege of serving some as their associational missionary. They don't reach thousands, and no one outside of our corner of the world knows their names. But they serve faithfully, building the Kingdom of God one soul at a time. They are, therefore, worthy of our honor, our love, and our prayers.

Heb. 13:7 (ESV) says, "Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." Ponder this for a few moments, then ask yourself whether the heroes you follow are really worth your attention.

Praise the Lord for His unsung heroes.

To His Glory!
Bro. Jim