I WANT TO BE A HERO

Throughout the history of man there have always been heroes. We need heroes. We want heroes. We look for heroes. We write comic books, novels, plays, movies, and televisions shows about heroes. We even have games that can turn an ordinary person into a “Guitar Hero”. 

Heroes fulfill our need to be rescued by someone greater than us all. We need someone to look up to; to emulate, to follow. Hero; as the song writer Steve Taylor said, “It's a nice-boy notion that the real world's gonna destroy. It's a Marvel comic book Saturday matinee fairytale, boy”.

Heroes run into burning buildings when everyone else says; “Someone should do something!” Heroes risk their lives to save others. Heroes lay down their lives for others. Jesus said; “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13).

The problem with heroes is that oftentimes they walk around as ordinary people, hiding their true identity until help is required; then they spring into action and become the heroes we need them to be. This is true for all heroes no matter whether they are “super” heroes or “ordinary” heroes; the kind that you and I meet throughout our lives. We see them in the news; we read about them in the newspapers. On September 9th, 2001 we saw a lot of heroes come out of the woodwork of our society and spring into action to save others. 

"When you grow up what will you be?" I wanna be a hero! I get motivated by heroes; not just the mythological super heroes that we hold up for all to see. I get motivated by the “ordinary” heroes who do seemingly simply heroic deeds. I’m talking about those who choose to be good moms and dads; doing their best to raise the kids to be nice, say “please” and “thank you”. I’m talking about those who pay their bills, and cut their grass, and shovel their sidewalk, and say “hello” when you pass them; not because they have to but because they are always thinking of others.

Ordinary heroes who choose to pick up their dog’s droppings instead of leaving them on my lawn.

Heroes who choose to not say everything that crosses their minds when provoked. Heroes who, when cut off in traffic, choose to not show a “finger” to the other driver. Heroes that drop what they are doing to help out a neighbor, or a complete stranger; simply because it is the right thing to do.

Ordinary heroes that let others go first in a long line; whether at the store or in traffic. Heroes are people who are compassionate to their server, even if their food is served cold at a busy restaurant. Ordinary people doing extra ordinary things for others with no motivation to be seen; these are the true heroes. Hillary Clinton is a hero of mine even though I didn’t vote for her; nor does she reflect my views. Hillary is a hero to me because she stood by her man when all of the world would have supported her if she would have left Bill. 

I want to be a hero! Heroes are people who go to work everyday and treat their bosses, or their employees, or their co-workers with respect. Heroes are people who keep their vows, their word that they gave, and follow through with commitments. I’m talking about those heroes who read the Bible and then live it out; especially when no one is watching. In other words, people who live out what they believe, not just preach it to others. These are the people who are my heroes. We need some heroes today in this cold selfish world; heroes who will rise up to the challenge to love the unlovely and live for Jesus!

The Bible says; “9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”[a] says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:9-21)

Can you imagnine what the world would be if Christians lived that passage out? I want to be a hero!

Jesus is my ultimate hero. He ran and saved me when I was still a sinner. “For when we were still helpless, Christ died for the wicked at the time that God chose. It is a difficult thing for someone to die for a righteous person. It may even be that someone might dare to die for a good person. But God has shown us how much he loves us---it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us!” (Romans 5:6-8).

We need some heroes today; it’s not like there are only so many who can be in this elite group! You and I can be heroes! The world is looking for someone to be an example.

The Bible says; “1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:1-4) 

The Bible also says "5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11)

I wanna be a hero.
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“HERO” by Steve Taylor
When the house fell asleep there was always a light
And it fell from the page to the eyes of an American boy

In a storybook land I could dream what I read
When it went to my head I'd see
I wanna be a hero

But the practical side said the question was still
"When you grow up what will you be?"
I wanna be a hero

Hero
It's a nice-boy notion that the real world's gonna destroy
You know
It's a Marvel comicbook Saturday matinee fairytale, boy

Growing older you'll find that illusions are brought
And the idol you thought you'd be was just another zero
I wanna be a hero

Heroes died when the squealers bought 'em off
Died when the dealers got 'em off
Welcome to the "in it for the money as an idol" show
When they ain't as big as life
When they ditch their second wife
Where's the boy to go?
Gotta be a hero

When the house fell asleep
From a book I was led to a Light that I never knew
I wanna be your hero
And He spoke to my heart from the moment I prayed
Here's a pattern I made for you
I wanna be your hero