The news in NZ has this week been dominated by the death of Sir Edmund Hillary, at the age of 88.  Along with his achievement of climbing Mt Everest for the first time, and his expeditions to the Poles, he was also a humanitarian, especially helping in Nepal.  There has been a lot of talk about how all NZers can take inspiration from him, and aspire to do ‘great things”. 

My family was discussing this, and talking about achievement and what we value in life. Everything we do on this earth, if it does not include Jesus Christ, it is empty and has no value in eternity.  This is not to diminish in any way the achievements of Sir Ed, but the reality is, that climbing a mountain, helping others, having adventures, they all count for Nothing in the light of the eternal.

This week in the mail I received a magazine from the organization “Voice of the Martyrs”, an organisation that helps the suffering church, which was formed by Richard Wurmbrand.  Everyday there are people who lay their lives down to share the good news of the gospel of Christ.  We don’t know their names, or their stories, but to my mind they are the true heroes.  Their hearts are set on eternity, not on what can merely be accomplished on this earth. 

I am challenged to continue placing ‘Heroes’ before my children, to continue sharing their stories.  This is a common homeschool theme that I really think is important.  Many children know more about Britney Spears or Paris Hilton than they do about Jim Elliot, Mary Jones, Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael ….  I want my children to be inspired by those who gave their lives to share the gospel, not those who just happen to be famous because they are wealthy or can sing and dance well(?).

But the greater challenge is for me, to live my life in light of the eternal.  To not be distracted by the temporal that will soon pass away.  To live life well and openly, in the grace of Jesus, the greatest hero of all.