Heroes…three years ago, my oldest son, Tyler, asked me during a phone call, “Dad, are you watching Heroes?”  He was referring to a new television drama that had been promoted heavily during the summer a few years ago.  Tyler and I share an appreciation for the characters and stories of Marvel Comics, but I didn’t see a need to watch this new series.  A couple weeks later, I caught a few minutes of the show and became intrigued.  In short, a few people had been given special abilities.  Some used them for good, and others use dthem for evil.  The rest of the world persecuted them because they were different.  Do you see why I was interested?

We know that all good things come from God.  Our natural abilities come from God as do our spiritual gifts.  All are intended to be used and enjoyed for their designed purposes bringing glory and honor to our Creator and Savior.  However, we are told to be careful and use this freedom “not…to indulge the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)  With gifts and abilities come freedom and responsibility.  (Luke 12:48)  So it is, we have the makings of heroes.

By faith…Hebrews 11 contains this phrase many times for it is by faith many people honored God and became a blessing to nations.  By faith, unlikely, ordinary people have experienced the power of God to the benefit of their families, friends, and communities.  More importantly, for their faith, these same people were commended by God.  This is where it gets personal for me.

For years, I have either openly, or subconsciously, craved the affirmation of people.  In some warped manner, I developed a standard for success that produced the goal of affirmation from others.  In other words, I equated success in life and ministry with people affirming me as a person and leader.  The primary problem with this standard is that I am not the center of my life, Jesus is.  Another problem with this standard is that it never produces a sense of satisfaction or contentment.  Consequently, I work harder, do more, work harder, attempt more…crash!!

The wonderful thing about God’s heroes is that they don’t have to have seminary degrees, or a lengthy Christian pedigree.  Consider Rahab!  She was a prostitute, an outsider, a member of a nation under judgment, and a woman with little respect even for herself.  But, by faith…she was commended by God.  What I hear in this wonderful truth is that there is hope for me!  My desire of one day being a real success in the eyes of God can be realized.

Do you have the desire to be one of God’s heroes?  Have you ever thought it possible?  What’s seems to be stopping you?

Can’t wait to hear your stories.

Love you all,

tim

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for….By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.

Hebrews 11:1-2, 31 (NIV)