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Heroism

I recently read a story about a young man who saved the life of his wife during the tornado in Joplin, Missouri by covering her as the storm raged overhead. It wasn't the first time an act of heroism occurred in a situation like this. Why do we highlight events like these?

One verse has surfaced in my mind again and again over the past few days. This is Philippians 2:17, which reads, "But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you." This is a reference to Exodus 29:38-41, where God commands the Israelites how they are to offer daily sacrifices, sacrifices which included drink offerings.

How would it feel to be "poured out" for somebody else, to spend your energy, time, money, and other resources for the sake of others? In essence, how would it feel for your perspective to be others-minded?

In fact, there's a fulfillment in it that I don't think we always grasp. Isn't it in our nature to admire those who sacrifice in this way, to admire those like the young man who saved his wife? We want to overcome that selfishness inside us that permeates our hearts so completely, especially when it comes to the welfare of others. There's an inherent beauty in it, almost as though we're becoming something we were originally intended to be.

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