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It's one of the most remarkable turn of events in history. How did Marcus Aurelius (AD 121-180) become emperor of Rome? The young philosopher had no royal claim to the throne. He just worked in the household.
What happened is this: Emperor Hadrian did not have a son of his own, and he saw something in this kid Marcus -- that he told the truth, that he considered the thoughts of others, that he was smart and decent. Hadrian wanted to make him emperor -- but -- Marcus was too young.
So, he adopted Antinous as his son, who in turn adopted Marcus Aurelius as his son, to groom him one day for the throne. The question is this: So how did Hadrian know that Antinous was up for the job? That he would train Marcus and hand over the Emperorship as Hadrian wished after he was gone?
Hadrian watched Antinous help his elderly stepfather up a flight of stairs. Antinous didn't know anyone was watching, it wasn't performative, it wasn't for attention. Here he was, just helping someone out. And this was a glimpse into Antinous' character. For all his power and prestige, talent as an administrator, his success in business and politics, he was a good person. Able to do what he said he would do, and Hadrian put his faith in Antinous.
What about us?
How do you treat people who can't do anything for you? How do you act when no one is watching?
These are the things that tell us who we are, and what we will be when put under stress in the future when we're given power and temptation.
So Antinous' kindness made him very successful.
What about you? Has anyone caught you doing something like that? Does the person you are becoming aspire to be a character of faith?
Be faithful in the small things, dear reader, and belong more and more to Christ by being more and more like Christ.
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Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week's column comes from Pastor Taylor Camerer of Great Island Presbyterian Church, Lock Haven.