Growing up, I often watched the old "Hercules" movies. Hercules, as you may already know, was a Roman hero named after the Greek God, Heracles. He was known by most fans for his strength. But what always impressed me most was his ability to out wit and out smart his enemies. Yes, he was very strong. In fact, he was super human in that regards. But his victories were not by muscle alone. He understood his weakness and utilized resources around him to defeat whatever mystic creature or enemy he faced.
Your probably wondering what this has to do with the Christian life. I'm glad you asked. My quiet time today focused on a verse familiar to most, but lived out by few. Its I John 3:18: “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
Just this week, I had a chance encounter with some one who, in the past, had told me that they love me, but their actions continue to cause me to question the validity of their statement. This is one of the major downfalls of our faith. Throughout history, the lack of application of this verse has caused many to abandon the church, the ministry, and even their relationship with Christ himself.
Why is it so "Herculean" for us to live out the call on our lives to not just speak of the love of Christ, but to live it as well? John spells it out clearly in this verse. Do not just say that you love some one, show it!! Live it!! Act it out!! Whatever you do, do not allow yourself to say one thing but do something completely opposite in regards to loving others. I guess you could say that this is the first time in history that we see the old saying, "Actions speak louder than words." I know for a fact I have failed more times than I can count in this area. My intentions were good and my heart truly desired to live what I had preached. But I failed. I compromised. I didn't follow through. And I still regret deeply those moments.
Once again, we find that God's word does not leave us hopeless and helpless. John continues in verse 19 and 20, "This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything."
Did you catch the last part of verse 20. " God is greater than our hearts, for he knows everything." Once again, God, in His Herculean state, shows one of His strengths: he ability to see our hearts and know our intentions and lead us to overcoming our weaknesses and thus, share a victory with us as we live out love for others.
Many times, as verse 19 says above, my heart has condemned me. For I knew in my heart of hearts, I truly desired to live out my faith. But I failed!! This is why we need Christ so much!! We cannot do it by ourselves. To live out our faith consistently is Herculean. Its God like. Its impossible, without sticking close to God. Why? Read the verse again. Because He knows your heart. In fact, He knows everything. About you, the person you failed, and the person you desire to be.
Hercules, by the way, was a mythical being. God, on the other hand, is real, very real. This makes Hercules a pretty cool Saturday morning cartoon. But the reality of Christ helping overcome the enemy in our lives daily, is a reality. A reality that is livable for you and me.