Admiration

After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.
– 1 Samuel 18:1-4

“Respect and warm approval.” That is the definition of admiration by the Oxford American Dictionary.

Have you ever had someone that you look up to greatly? Perhaps it was famous politician or religious leader, or maybe a rock star or a teacher you had.

Well, there are two guys to whom I look up to that are not famous and world-renowned... yet.

The first of the two that I would like to talk about is Eric Schulze. Although I am a college student and he is a high school student, I respect him and admire him more that most college people I know. Eric’s attitude towards things that happen to him, people, and just life in general are something that I strive for. For those of you who know Eric, you know that he is a rather quiet guy but a very intelligent guy. When so one rags on him or something bad happens to him, he is not one to open is his mouth and curse someone or something. Rather he is extremely self-controlled. For example, as we were playing soccer tonight, we collided and all of my weight came down on his hand, which wouldn’t have been so bad, had I not been wearing cleats. He did not say a word.

It reminded me of when Christ was being beaten and crucified and yet utter not a word, like a sheep silent before the slaughter. The way Schulze doesn’t retaliate, but rather forgives and always shows love is incredible to me. I lived with this man for two weeks in New Orleans and quickly learned how strong his faith was. Many of us, including me, preach on being like Christ and loving and yet change nothing about the way we live around non-Christians, but it is evident to me that this is one area that Schulze takes very seriously.
The verse in the Bible that talks about how blessing and cursing cannot flow from the same mouth can be seen in Eric. I thank God for letting me get to know Eric better to show me the way I should be in my life. His passion for people is awesome. I could not ask for a better brother in Christ to encourage me than Eric, even though he probably isn’t aware that he does.

The second gentleman is a good friend of mine whom I have went to school with since 7th grade. The reason I admire him is his studiousness. His desire to read as much as he can and to learn about God is incredible. I have his webpage marked as one of my favorites so I can learn from him in his studies, not only religiously, but also about anything in this world.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, it is Caleb Joseph [Brown]. Like Schulze, Caleb pushes me to be a better person and a more faithful Christian whether he knows it or not.

My prayer to God tonight was to give me the self-control, forgiveness, and gentleness that he has shown me through Eric, and the studiousness and discipline he has shown through Caleb.

If either of you reads this, I want you to know that your lives have made a difference, whether you realize it or not. The way both of you act have shown Christ to me and made me aware of things that I need to work on in my own life. Thank you and keep him first.

To anyone else who reads this, may you seek these qualities of these two great guys in your own life. Also, may God plant people like Eric and Caleb in your life to build you up and make you more in Him.