Strength. Determination. Courage. Such are the words used to describe the paladin of good, protector of the weak. He stands resolute in the face of danger, shining sword held high in defiance of the darkness around him. He is kind, noble, and selfless.
In short, he is everything we aspire to be. He is the target to aim for, the standard to shoot for. Utterly desirable, and yet utterly unattainable.
But what makes him... Well... Him? We've identified these qualities, but what do they mean? What is it about him that is so fascinating, so captivating? What makes him the idol that he is?
Many have tried to answer these questions, with varying amounts of success. Some were philosophers, some writers. Some were kings, others peasants. Some were wise, others... Not so much.
In my experience, the most knowledgable of these are who would seem to be the least so. Songwriters tend to take an entirely different view on pretty much anything, offering a refreshing new outlook that's often more than a little philosophical. So, to discuss this question with us, I've enlisted the help of several good friends of mine. You may recognize them, as I dearly hope you do.
Now, onward!
"Though they may surround me like lions, and crush me on all sides. I may fall, but I will rise. Not by my might or my power or by the strength of swords. Only through your love my Lord." ~ Josh Garrels
The paladin is strong, resolute in the face of danger. His will is iron, refusing to bow before any other.
Now, Josh isn't talking about physical strength here. Any lunkhead can go to a gym and get bulked up. Rather, he's talking about strength of character. The true paladin knows where his strength lies, and it is not in his own arms. His sword is not his weapon, nor his shield his protection. Instead he trusts in the power of his Savior, his Lord, his Captain.
"I'm not going down that easy! It takes more than this just to break me. I'm not going down without bleeding. I'm not going down without a fight!" ~ Pillar
The paladin is a defender, a warrior. He fights the holy war, conquering the forces of darkness wherever they are found. He never gives up, never gives in. He gives his all all the time, refusing to settle for less.
The truly good things in this life are the things worth fighting for, worth waiting for. The paladin knows what is worth the effort, what's worth sacrificing for. The blessings of God far outweigh those gifts of the world, and that is what the paladin shoots for. And he won't give it up easily.
"Go ahead, you're never gonna take me! You can bend but you're never gonna break me. I was yours, I'm not yours anymore. You don't own me!" ~ Disciple
Courage. Pure, unadulterated courage. The paladin quakes at nothing, fears no one. Hopeless situations? I'm ready. Invincible enemies? I can take 'em. Impossible odds? Bring it on.
But this confidence doesn't come from within him. No, that would be arrogance. Instead, the paladin has complete faith in his Commander. He know that he's never alone, he'll never be forsaken. And in that comforting thought, he finds the ability to conquer an obstacle.
So the paladin's power lies not in his sword. Not in his armor, nor in his steed. It lies in his Lord, his King. The paladin seeks out His strength and courage and determination, and finds rest in it. And therein lies the true power of the Paladin.
