Our Heavenly Hero (May 19, 2023)

Jesus said, ^“For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”  (John 13:15)

In these troubled times, there are countless unsung heroes who put their lives on the line every day, working behind the scenes to protect our health, defend our freedoms, and keep us safe. But have you noticed that in today’s ungodly culture at large, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find in the public realm high-profile God-fearing individuals after whom we can pattern Christian lives? I recall that growing up in the 1950s and ‘60s there were many admirable people in all walks of life who set godly examples for young, impressionable, and developing minds.

However, in a morally decadent society that is rapidly turning away from God and denying the truth of His Word, sadly, it seems that today there are far too few athletes, entertainers, politicians, and high-profile individuals from other walks of life whose lifestyles are above reproach and worthy of imitation. Pursuing reckless, ungodly lifestyles, it is indeed a shame that many famous people miserably fail to use their highly-publicized prominence and superstar status as a platform to positively influence their adoring fans and a persuadable public.

In a fallen world, wholesome heroes are hard to find. But God provided humanity the ideal role model in His incarnate Son Jesus Christ who set the supreme earthly example of how to live a fruitful life that pleases the heavenly Father. When repentant sinners accept through faith God’s grace and His gift of salvation, the Holy Spirit engages in the ongoing process of cultivating in us Christlike qualities of love, humility, compassion, and other virtues. Works in progress, we’re being conformed to the image of the greatest of all role models, Christ, our heavenly Hero!

 “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)