1 Samuel 14:7
‘His armor bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart; turn yourself, and here I am with you according to your desire.”’
“I’ve got your back.” This is an ancient reference to that modern quote. This is a warriors creed, both present and old. When leaders rush into battle, they are taking a great risk. Their courage is bolstered by the support behind them. Not everyone is this type of leader. They have ideas and the gumption to follow through. They would be unable to be successful if not for a crew to aid in the implementation.
Are we willing to be support? This one is on the side of the stage unseen. Can we rejoice in the success of others? More than that, can we help them in their rise even though our part isn’t rewarded? This isn’t easy.
Verses from 1 Corinthians 13 come to mind: “Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous” (v 4). Jealousy keeps one from being in a support role. This emotions arises, but love can tamp it down. We don’t always need attention. The Lord provides enough to feed that part of us. Knowing He’ll take care gives us faith to ignore the jealousy.
Love “does not seek its own”, (v 5). To be in a support position seeks to help another with their aims. This goes against today’s mantra “I’ve gotta be seen”. Of course we need to be seen by some. However we don’t need it all the time. We know God sees us and He ensures we have a support team. Knowing this, we can put off the ache we might feel.
This is to be Christlike. Yes, He gets glory, but the massive majority of what He does is give. Health, the beauty of creation, the wonder of how creation supplies us with food, full heart, loved one and so on. This is all because of Him. I think of the story the ten lepers. Jesus healed them all. However, only one returned to say, “thanks”. Yet, the Lord continues to generously give. He wants us to be givers, as well. Being a sincere support person is a giver.
This doesn’t mean we are in an unhealthy codependent relationship. This is when one gets all the love and the other gets nothing. We need healthy boundaries.
Lord, help us to be supportive of others. Thank You that You see us and fill us as we give to others.