My son’s birthday is October 19th. Part of his birthday celebration this year included an outing to place called Ridemakerz (which is basically “Build-A-Bear” but for cars and trucks), where the kids can design, trick-out and assemble cars and trucks. The kids had a blast and I think a few of the adults are considering coming back to “pimp” their own mini rides as well. We finished the day with dinner at a restaurant close to Ridemakerz. I was given the awesome responsibility of “entertaining” 7 pumped up 6 to 8 year old boys, while making sure that they didn’t draw too much attention to our table. I came up with a memory game. I asked the kids a series of questions and whoever was able to remember everyone’s answers, would be awarded a prize.
The game was a success. I asked a series of questions ranging from “What is your favorite food and why? To what is your favorite color?” I decided to step it up a notch by asking the kids, “Who is your favorite superhero or who is your hero and why?” The answers ranged from Superman to Capitan Underpants. One kid however stopped and thought for a moment or two and said with total confidence…My Dad is my hero. This was the last kid to answer the question. When I asked him why…He said because He is Strong and Buff.
After playing this game I thought about the fact that, whether or not I know it, I’m a hero in somebody’s eyes. My kids and even those who may be younger in the faith than I am, are looking to me to see how I will react to times of trouble, respond to evil and to uphold the standards of what is right and just. My life may be the catalyst that propels someone toward everlasting life or everlasting death. This is an immense responsibility. Even closer to home…my kids look up to me and pattern themselves after me, so their spiritual destinies are somewhat contingent upon how I conduct myself as their hero.
One of the kids said that Superman was his hero because he flew around and saved people. Another mentioned Spiderman, because he used his web-slinging skills to help others as well. There was a consistent theme that qualified people as being heroes. It wasn’t just the fact that they had superpowers (the “bad guys” had similar powers too). It was the fact that the heroes used there powers to help others in a responsible way. God has called us to be Heroes in this present generation. We should:
" You're here to defend the defenseless, to make sure that underdogs get a fair break; Your job is to stand up for the powerless, and prosecute all those who exploit them."." Ps 82:3-4
The game was a success. I asked a series of questions ranging from “What is your favorite food and why? To what is your favorite color?” I decided to step it up a notch by asking the kids, “Who is your favorite superhero or who is your hero and why?” The answers ranged from Superman to Capitan Underpants. One kid however stopped and thought for a moment or two and said with total confidence…My Dad is my hero. This was the last kid to answer the question. When I asked him why…He said because He is Strong and Buff.
After playing this game I thought about the fact that, whether or not I know it, I’m a hero in somebody’s eyes. My kids and even those who may be younger in the faith than I am, are looking to me to see how I will react to times of trouble, respond to evil and to uphold the standards of what is right and just. My life may be the catalyst that propels someone toward everlasting life or everlasting death. This is an immense responsibility. Even closer to home…my kids look up to me and pattern themselves after me, so their spiritual destinies are somewhat contingent upon how I conduct myself as their hero.
One of the kids said that Superman was his hero because he flew around and saved people. Another mentioned Spiderman, because he used his web-slinging skills to help others as well. There was a consistent theme that qualified people as being heroes. It wasn’t just the fact that they had superpowers (the “bad guys” had similar powers too). It was the fact that the heroes used there powers to help others in a responsible way. God has called us to be Heroes in this present generation. We should:
" You're here to defend the defenseless, to make sure that underdogs get a fair break; Your job is to stand up for the powerless, and prosecute all those who exploit them."." Ps 82:3-4
"Execute true judgment, and show mercy and compassions every man to his brother: And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart." Zech 7:9-10
"He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor." Prov 22:9
“Feed the hungry, house the homeless, clothe the naked.” Is 58:7, 10
People of this world and especially the children of this world are looking for purpose and to define who they are. First they look to the people around them. If we are those people, we should consider it our duty to have our “spiritual spidey” senses tuned in so that we can seize each opportunity to responsibly use our powers to point them in the direction of the source of our power and strength….the Ultimate HERO…..Jesus Christ.
It has been said…With great power comes great responsibility. What are you doing with your great power?
The world still needs Heroes.
Be Blessed,
B
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