I’m a big fan of superhero movies and television shows! I don’t care if it’s Marvel, DC, or ones based on graphic novels. I can’t get enough. And with the recent release of the new Avenger’s movie, which I’ve yet to view, I thought a look at heroes would be timely.

The thing that draws me to many of such movies is driven by more than sweet CGI or flash. I like the concept of someone using their abilities and resources to make the world a better place. Many of them wrestle with an internal battle. And in most cases, good conquers evil. That’s a pretty great concept!

It got me thinking, “where are the heroes in real life?” I’ve yet to look in the sky and see anyone in blue tights flying overhead. Nor have I seen a news report of a hammer wielding Norseman thwarting a criminal empire. The world is hungry for someone worthy to emulate. [bctt tweet=”The world is hungry for someone worthy to emulate.”] We see it every time we turn on the television. The latest, greatest sport star or movie actor is telling us what shoes to wear or what beverage we should drink. Don’t get me wrong; there are some really great examples of people doing some awesome things with the platforms they’ve been given. But my dream of being the next Michael Jordan died after basketball camp in high school.

HEROES WALK AMONG US

 The mom who eats cold dinner because she’s making sure her kids are first= hero. The dad who works all day and then helps his daughter practice for her soccer tryout= hero. The teacher who puts in overtime to help a student= hero.
I’ve been blessed recently to reconnect with an old friend from high school, Allen. In recent years, he has been an advocate for children of divorce. He speaks to parents about putting kids first. Allen is a giant of a man and covered in muscles. But when he thinks of the pain some kids experience as a result of fighting parents he turns into a teddy bear. The message he shares always points to God as the source of strength and wisdom. And his greatest goal is that his son grow up knowing that he is loved, cherished, and important. That is a hero!

WE HAVE THE GREATEST EXAMPLE OF A HERO

Jesus didn’t wear a cape or mask. But he did the most heroic thing anyone has ever done. Romans 5:8 tell us that “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
He bore our sins and made it possible for us to be, once again made right with God. Through Jesus we can be saved. Jesus is THE true hero and the only one worthy of worship. [bctt tweet=”Jesus is THE true hero and the only one worthy of worship.”]

WE CAN BE HEROES

Let’s face it; the odds of my being bitten by a radioactive spider are slim to nil. But I can still be a hero. I was talking with another friend about his call on his life. He told me how he tries to be an example in his job. It is his desire that his actions, attitude, and everything he does be a direct reflection of God. I encouraged him to make a list of people at his workplace for whom he can pray. We each have a sphere of influence. God has brought each of us to our jobs and neighborhoods for a reason. We are the light of the world.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in its house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. –Matthew 5:14-16

There are opportunities every day to be a hero. We can be used by used by God to make the world a better place and be instruments of change.

The world is looking for heroes.