SUITABLY APPLY

        Terms and phrases like "hero" in "He/she is my hero" occur so much now-a-days that I question the value many times. The plethora of use tends to desensitize the influence of the word, idea or thing. I would encourage all of us to keep sacred those words and ideas that hold special value in order to preserve the true definition and nature of things like hero.

        What we place value on in this world is amazing. Value and/or meaning is what drives the purpose of our lives. Our decisions on everything - the things we choose to think about, speak out loud and perform are rooted in what we deem as the most meaningful or hold most value in our lives. Who or what we deem as special or sacred should be treasured and shared.

        My concern is I don't want us to overuse the word and concept of Hero or Superhero. These words and ideas are super-saturated within our culture and drop off our lips too easy. I desire for there to be an appropriateness to when we use the words and ideas of Hero and Superhero.

        For the longest time now, Hero or Superhero movies have been successful. What do these onslaught of movies mean? Can’t you hear Bonnie Tyler singing her song even now –

“I need a hero, I’m holding out for a hero till the end of the night, he’s got to be strong and he’s got to be fast, and he’s got to be fresh from the fight, I need a hero, I’m holding out for a hero till the morning light, he’s got to be sure, and it’s got to be soon, and he’s got to be larger than life,” larger than life.”

        Bonnie had the correct perspective on where the Ultimate Hero should come from. We all have a hero if we look outside ourselves. Did you catch the source? There have been songs about the hero within us just waiting to burst out, but if we are the ultimate definition or authority on life then we are doomed.

        I feel confident in defining Hero or Superhero that there would be some similarities in definitions. However, one individual has shown the world He is The Ultimate for all who accept Him as both.

        This Superhero is alive and well. He appeared to many and taught many immediately after his resurrection and now sits at the right hand of The One who sent Him, making intercession for those who choose to believe in his heroism for their lives. His name is not Clark Kent of Smallville or Metropolis (a.k.a. Superman). His name is infinitely better – Jesus Christ of Nazareth (a.k.a. Son of God)!

        Said another way, we could talk about men and women with superpowers all day long until we are blue in the face. However, none of their powers will ever be able to get at the root of humanity's problem like only Christ Jesus has accomplished already.

        What does the Scripture say about the heroism of Christ? For starters - all judgement has been entrusted to Jesus (John 5:22), the power to destroy and/or send the soul and body to Hell is Christ's (Matt. 10:28), He destroyed the devil's work (1 Jn. 3:8) and He laid down His life for His friends; no greater love (John 15:13).

        If you are needing a Hero in your life, I invite you to consider Jesus Christ. The eternal and ultimate decision calls for an Ultimate Hero. He has paid the natural and super-natural price for you to believe in Him as your Hero and Superhero. I know, in this crazy world, I am so thankful and grateful for My Hero, My SuperHero - Christ Jesus, The Savior - The Ultimate Hero and that title will always Suitably Apply.