Greatness is Measured by Character
A middle school boy was in my office to discuss a misunderstanding with a teacher. It became clear that his response to the teacher’s remarks was the result of an underlining issue plaguing him. In retelling the story, he revealed that other students were teasing him for being short. Therefore, when comments were made about him, he perceived them to be negative, which compounded the existing problem. He was visibly upset as he shared how the two issues were tied together.
It’s hard to tell a middle school boy not to worry about being short. At this age, adolescents experience physiological changes which affect them emotionally, physically, and scholastically. How do you encourage a middle schooler struggling with his height? I shared the following personal experience that gave me perspective on height and greatness.
One year, when I was teaching a unit study on World War II to a small group of fifth through eighth grade homeschool students, I read a book handed to me by a friend at a book give away. Jacob’s Rescue is a true story of a Polish man, Alex Roslan, who rescued two Jewish boys from the Nazis invasion in 1941. The story was gripping, bringing tears to my eyes as I read it aloud to my children. At the risk of his own life and the life of his family, he hid these boys in his home until 1945. Hiding under the sink, inside a couch, and stuffed in cabinets when needed, these boys were kept safe throughout the war.
There were photos in the back of the book, which were not viewed until finishing the story. On the last few pages we found pictures taken in 1992 of Alex Roslan sitting in a chair, Mela, his wife standing behind him. Additionally, there was a photo of Mr. Roslan and the Jewish boys taken in Berlin just after the war, and ones of the boys as grown men. The caption beneath gave the location of Mr. and Mrs. Roslan—a town just 15 minutes from where we live. I could hardly believe it. I immediately looked him up in the phone book, wondering if he might still be alive. Finding his name and number, I made the call, hoping that we could meet and hear his story. Now in his eighties, Mr. Roslan extended an invitation to visit his small condominium in a large retirement community, where as a widower, he lived alone. I took my children, a friend, and her children to meet him.
After reading the book I was amazed and inspired by his moral courage, his determination, and resolve to do the right thing regardless of the enormous risk. He was a giant man in my eyes, a hero, deserving of respect and gratitude. The memory of knocking on his door is still very vivid. I remember looking up as the door swung open, expecting to find a large, tall man standing before me. But no. Instead, we were greeted by a very quiet, humble man, not more than five foot, six inches.
I was immediately struck by his stature. Because of his great deeds, I expected a big, tall man. We all learned that day that greatness is not measured by height. Greatness is God working in and through us for His purposes. Greatness is measured by our deeds and by our character, by the courage to obey God, and do hard things.
What does the Bible have to say about being tall or short? Nothing! Height is not associated with blessing, or strength, or righteousness. In fact, when choosing a king, the Lord made it clear that judgment based on outward appearance was to be rejected. The Lord is interested in the heart of a man. David was a young boy, whose height paled in comparison to Goliath. His height played no role in the victory over the Philistines. Rather, it was God working in and through David, a boy of great faith, that brought down the giant. As a young teen himself, David was determined, courageous, and willing to be used by God to fight the enemy.
This middle school student thought that being short in some way diminished the view others had of him. Greatness is not measured by height (or for girls—beauty or a perfect body).
When our children struggle with defeating thoughts (lies), we can help them take captive the lie, with truth. We serve a mighty God. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world. God is at work in us to complete that which he started. Our worth is in Him who loves us with an everlasting love. It can sound trite but it is truth and there is power in truth. We need to hear it again and again. Our children need to hear it again and again.
Sharing stories of how the Lord has taught you an important lesson can encourage your children. Provide opportunity to experience the truths proclaimed in His word. Use present day heroes who exhibit exemplary character to teach valuable principles from God’s Word.
God is able to do more than we can imagine. If you have walked your child through defeating lies, share the truth that helped to set him/her free. If you have witnessed your child struggling to do hard things and as a result seen him/her grow mightily in character, please share your experience to encourage others.