July 25, 2007
"The Heroic Spirit of Christ "
Dear Friend,
Christ challenges the assumption that happiness is the supreme good. He modeled a willingness to suffer for a noble cause. Although Bertrand Russell was an atheistical philosopher, he wrote in The History of Western Philosophy: “Usually the substitute for happiness is some form of heroism.” As a Christian,
I honor the heroic spirit of Jesus Christ. He sacrificed His own happiness to purchase the eternal happiness of those who put their faith in Him.
Christianity has, at its core, the value of heroic service to God’s eternal purpose rather than the Lockean myth that human existence achieves its height in transcendent moments of happiness.
I am not one who preaches a religion of martyrdom or misery. In a very real way, I believe that the human soul grows and thrives in the environment of challenge rather than leisure. I invite you to grow into your full potential by following the example of our heroic Christ. Remember Isaiah explained Christ’s heroic sacrifice when he wrote:
“He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities…”
Isaiah 53:5
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Dr. Dave Collings
Lead Pastor
Christ Church
