ANALYSIS/OPINION:
Culture Challenge of the Week: Indifference
What does it take to put your life on the line for others? As Americans, we’re fascinated by sacrificial heroism, and rightfully so. Our country’s history unfolds in the tales of its heroes - and in the 10-plus years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Americans have witnessed countless acts of heroism.
From the courage of first responders who plunged into the World Trade Center’s burning corridors on 9/11 to the bravery of SEAL Team 6, which delivered America from Osama bin Laden’s malevolence, the selfless acts of others are the stories we remember and retell.
We capture its essence in art, as in the current movie “Act of Valor.” The film portrays Navy SEALs who rescue an intelligence operative and go on to foil an imminent terrorist strike.
But the movie is more than an action flick. In one memorable scene, a Navy SEAL dives onto a grenade that threatens the lives of his buddies, the men he loves more than his own life. His body heaves as it absorbs the blast; he dies so that they might live. In that one moment, the film lays bare the two forces at work in any heroic deed: evil and love.
Whether a “natural” evil, like a tornado or hurricane, or evil that comes from the human heart, the presence of evil calls forth sacrifice and heroism; it calls forth love. Only love defeats death-dealing evil. As Scripture tells us, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13.
But what about those who live because of another’s selfless gift of life?
Perhaps you’ve been there. The rest of us can only imagine. We’d gasp in the moment, shocked and in awe at the whisker-close brush with death and the enormity of the other’s sacrifice. We would know life as a gift in a way we had never previously experienced it.
Even as spectators in a movie theater, watching the on-screen peril and loss, we can’t help but feel pierced by our own unworthiness and helpless to communicate our gratitude. And we’d be horrified to see anyone shrug off such sacrifice, whether in callous indifference (“So what?”) or arrogant expectation (“I deserve to live more than he did!”).
Surely, we’d find ourselves thinking, “Wow. He gave his life for me. How can I ever repay him?”
Heroism - self-sacrificing love - taps into something deep within us and demands a response.
And that’s what Easter is all about.
How to Save Your Family: Accept Christ!
Two thousand years ago, someone did, in fact, lay down His life for you. Like the sacrifice of that Navy SEAL in “Act of Valor” - but infinitely greater - Christ died so that we might live.
It was ugly, because sin is ugly. Jesus suffered brutally, taking on the punishment for your sins and mine. Beaten, stripped, bloodied and crucified, He endured prolonged agony. Are those just words on a page to you? Watch the incredible film “The Passion of the Christ” and see it. Imagine it.
And then remember that it really happened.
Why did Jesus go through all that? Intuitively, we know there’s only one answer. Love. We catch a glimpse of it in the awe-inspiring sacrifices of our soldiers, policemen and heroes. Only love impels a hero to dive on a grenade or brave a burning building. By Christ’s love, “we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7.
Did you know someone loves you that much?
Here’s the truth: Christ loved you so much that He died for you, personally. And then He rose again, making all things new, restoring each of us to new life, freed from the power of sin and death.
How can you ever repay Him?
The answer: With your own life! Accept Jesus Christ this Easter as your personal lord and savior - yes, savior. He saved your life, saved you from evil, and restored you to life anew, perfected by His grace and His love.
He wants only your love, and it’s a fitting response. Love Him back, with a heart full of gratitude, trembling as you peer into the abyss of sin and death from which He saved you, and glorying in the amazing power of life in Christ. Give Him your love this Easter, and follow Him! Happy Easter to all of you!
• Rebecca Hagelin can be reached at rebecca@howtosave yourfamily.com.
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