True Heroism by D. T. Bourdeau

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Nov 12, 1903

True Heroism

By D. T. Bourdeau

D. T. BOURDEAU

TRUE heroism is a rare thing to-day, yet it does exist in our world at the present. If it did not, there would be no one in it battling with and overcoming sin, and walking in the progressive way of holiness leading from earth to heaven.

There is much that passes for heroism to-day that is unworthy of that name, because manifested in killing others through sinister motives, especially to build up self and obtain what the generality of mankind call fame. Shame on such a misapplication of terms that should be used for entirely different purposes, and with an entirely different sense attached to them.

O that men and women—the young, the middle-aged, and the aged—might attain unto that heroism which is seen in coping with and overcoming by faith in Jesus Christ, difficulties and obstacles designed by the enemy of God and man to keep them from living righteously in this present evil world; putting forth proper efforts in laboring for their salvation, and for that of those who are perishing in their sins! O that we all, by looking unto our mighty Captain and Saviour for grace and strength, might turn away from self and worldly fame, and fasten our minds on the glory of God, and on that fame and honor which come from God alone, and which will constitute a part of the reward of the humble overcomer!

Here is the battle-ground on which to seek for and obtain true heroism. Here, that courage and those deeds of valor are necessary, and are brought into requisition by heroes of faith, which those are wholly ignorant of who are constantly aping after what the masses call heroism and fame; and who, continuing thus to do, show themselves to be the greatest cowards imaginable by refusing to step on this battle-ground, and to engage in such conflicts with sin and Satan as such an act would involve.

But on this ground millions in the past have become heroes of faith, have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and have even turned defeats into victories. On this ground Noah, notwithstanding the scoffs and opposition of blind unbelief, preached and practised righteousness, and built an ark for the saving of himself and his family. On this ground the father of the faithful and believing raised his knife to sacrifice his dear and only son, but was not suffered to do this because God saw that he loved and feared him, and had learned the lesson of faith that he had been too slow to learn. On this ground Jacob wrestled with the Lord till he obtained the victory, received the divine blessing, and was called a prince of God. On this battle-ground many have become heroes of faith and patience, while suffering from pain and sickness and persecution; and on it myriads have triumphed in God, even in laying down their lives for his truth and the honor of his cause.

“All things work together for good to them that love God” (Rom. 8:28), and by faith we may under all circumstances honor God by true heroism, and obtain the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.