Superheroes
The ironic part is that we all have the ability to be heroes. We may not have some of their superpowers, but there are choices heroes make that inspire us. They are determined to see the hurting or those in need of help, they make the decision to rise above fear of failure or opposition, and they resolve to make sacrifices for the good of others. We are called to live the same way.
Seeing those who are hurting or in need can be uncomfortable for a number of reasons: it reminds us of the fact that we are finite and also that we can lose what we have at any moment. It then faces us with the responsibility of doing something and it costs us to do something to reverse this condition.
In Luke 3:11 (NIV) John the Baptist told the people, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” In Paul's letter to the believers in Rome, he wrote, "Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality" (Romans 12:13). However, in order to provide for the needs of others, we have to see them. We have to be attuned to those around us and their situations. We cannot look away or ignore if we truly want to be the heroes God called us to be.
Providing for all the needs we see, however, can be intimidating. Sometimes the overwhelming need we see can cripple us because we don't know where to start or whether we can actually make a difference. This is why heroes who rise above fear of failure or opposition are held in such high esteem. Rather than just being another onlooker or passerby, they stop to do something despite their fear.
While fear can serve to keep us safe, it can also be very selfish. When we act out of fear, we act out of self-preservation. We attempt to protect our status, reputation, and possessions. While these are good things to guard, choosing to only watch as others suffer is deplorable.
In John 15:12-13, Jesus said, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” That is a scary command when you think about it. Who's going to take care of your needs? What if something comes up and the sacrifices you made become what you need later? There is a totality to that command. It's not just your pride, desire, etc.; it's your life! That is how much we are called to love others.
We are called to rise above any fears of failure or opposition. There is no room for it. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." We must be courageous enough to act in spite of our fears. This happens when we make it our purpose to help others and it becomes our mission to love them as God does. Only then is it easy to make such great sacrifices for the good of others.
In Luke 12:33-34, Jesus said, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What are you investing in? Is it building up your own comfortable life or is it making sacrifices to provide for the needs you see in others' lives? We spend our resources and time on what we care most about. Don't just wait to develop that passion, begin cultivating it. Seeing the needs of others and deciding to respond has to become a culture and value in our lives.
The amazing part is that we are not left merely to our own capabilities, but also to the supernatural power the Holy Spirit lends us. Jesus said in John 14:12, "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” Jesus healed people, raised others from the dead, etc. Should we choose to rise to the challenge and call God has given us, we can see even greater things.
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