want to be a hero?

Superman. Batman. Wonder Woman. Spider-man.  Have you ever dreamed of being a hero for someone?

Webster’s Dictionary defines a hero as: A person of distinguished valor or enterprise in danger, or fortitude in suffering; a prominent or central personage in any remarkable action or event; hence, a great or illustrious person.

A hero is also described as someone who is regarded as a model or ideal, or someone who fights for a cause.

Walt Emerson said, “Each man is a hero and oracle to somebody.”

Being a leader today provides us with many opportunities to be a hero.  There are enemies and suffering in this world of all types; there are battles to be fought, needs to be met, people who hurt… God has called us to make a difference in this world and there is so much that can be done…

Being a leader “hero” today requires:

COMPASSION – God has given us the ability to care deeply about people and situations. (We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19) I get a an aching pit in my stomach or energetically pound the table because I feel strongly about something… What is it that causes you to want to DO something? … lost souls, abused children, human trafficking, orphans and widows, injustice, pollution, teamwork?

Think about it… consider it… it doesn’t matter what it is, but if God has put the passion in your heart, I have learned that He will also give you the opportunity to get involved, and you can be a hero to someone (or many!) in that area.

ATTITUDE – Phil Collins describes a “level 5” leader, one who will leave a legacy, as one who has the right combination of humble modesty and confident will and resolve. Our world needs more people who are willing to give, to serve, and to go…and who can work hard and hang in there to get the results needed.  (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13)

Most superheros didn’t go looking for their job; some tried desperately to avoid the responsibility… but eventually yielded their own desire for a quiet life of anonymity to the meet the needs of others. I want to be the kind of leader who does not “lord-it-over” others, but who is strong in character and willing to perserve to get the job done.  I want to be willing to honestly evaluate any growth area that might get in my way.  How about you?

POWER – All superheros have a special source of power… and so do we! God has promised that when He calls us to something, He will also enable us with all that is needed. We have His Word; we have His Spirit; we have an amazing variety of resources in His people.  We have no excuse!   (You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. Acts 1:8)

The trick is relying on His power and not my own, working together with His people and not alone.  i seem to remember that the hero usually gets in trouble when they forget to use their special power – I need to remember who is in charge.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE – Superheros take on the enemy and are out to transform their world.  Nothing is too big, too scary, or too hard for them. They know that people are “worth it”… and that people can make a difference.  We are created for a purpose and when we let God work through us – even in seemingly small ways – we can make an eternal impact in someone else. (For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works… Eph 2:10)

I want to see challenges from God’s perspective and remember that He put me here for a reason.  I think there are too many negative role models in our world today… and too many huge needs… for any of us to sit on our thumbs and not get involved in the supernatural adventure of being a “hero”.  What do you think?  Want to be a hero with me?