After reading a few abridged revisions of Beowulf to my girls, I decided to man up and read the real story. Beowulf is one of the oldest tales in the English language. The work tells the exploits of the heroic Beowulf. He defeats man-eating monsters with his bare hands. He swims to the bottom of hellish waters to face off with wicked beasts. After serving as king for 50 years, he goes toe-to-toe with a fire-breathing dragon. It's a great story.
One aspect that struck me was how Beowulf is portrayed throughout the story. The epic not only highlight the great results of Beowulf's escapades but the courage, character, and selflessness he exhibited. Stories are told for a reason; to have an intended effect upon the reader. Beowulf would have shaped in its hearers and readers a picture of what it meant to be heroic--not only to produce heroic results but the qualities embodied in one who is truly heroic. Thus, the effect on the reader would be to aspire for the type of qualities weaved into the story.
When we tell stories of great success in our ministries, do we focus on the heroic results alone? What difference would it make to not just celebrate the great result but to weave the qualities of courageous faith, perseverance and selflessness in to our telling of the story. Let's share stories that inspire people to heroic character not only heroic results. Do you think this would help create a hunger in people for greater character and faithfulness and not only a hunger for great results? How can we share stories that help people learn how to be heroic?
