Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for
the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. -1 Timothy 4:12
A hero must consistently portray Christ in his life. He should realize that the people around him are continually watching what he’s doing in order to imitate him. He should continue to live in Christ throughout his life (1 Corinthians 2:6-7). He should have a vision for his life and want to fulfill it. Ultimately, this person must point everyone he comes in contact with back to Christ.
He must know the value of his words. He should realize that whatever he says, whether good or bad, is “out there” for anyone to repeat. He should always speak the truth, knowing that the Lord is near to the truthful (Psalms 145:18). He should use his words in holiness and always with a purpose. His purpose above all else should be furthering the Kingdom of Christ. All of his words should be directed back to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be so truthful and sincere through them, that it plainly and simply leads people back to Christ. He must value his purity for he should know that the pure in heart are the ones that see God (Matthew 5:8). This hero should know and always stay focused on the things of the Lord and not on worldliness. This person must not waste his time and thoughts on idle things, but instead use his time to mature in Christ and lead others to Him. These are just a few things to look for in a hero…there are so many more…
Ultimately, what one should look for first in a hero is the fruit his life is giving. Is this person growing daily in his relationship and knowledge of Christ and can you see the fruit in his life to testify it? If the answer is yes, this person is most likely worth being your hero. We should evaluate all earthly heroes on Jesus’ level. No one will ever match up perfectly like Jesus does, but we should use His example when picking a hero. If it’s known for a fact that this person is striving to be like Him, it’s most likely that he will be a good hero for the people around him.
There has to be a standard. Not just anyone can be that person you look up to and admire. That person needs to prove himself responsible. Remember, this is the person you want to be like (well, ultimately, we want to be like Christ, but you get what I mean…). This may seem like making too much out of nothing, but it’s not. It’s important. Everyone looks up to someone (whether they admit it or not) and we must be wise choosing that person.
It’s also important that we become good role models for the younger ones around us. The apostles were a model for us to follow (2 Thessalonians 3:9), and now we should be models to the people around us. We must realize that in the same way that we’re always looking at other people and what they’re doing, others are looking at us. We must be everything that we look for in a hero. We must set an example for the ones around us.
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show
integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that
those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about
us. –Titus 2:7-8
What are your thoughts on heroes? Do you have a hero? What other characteristics should we look for in heroes? (If you can, state some verses with those characteristics). Do you find it hard to be an example to the ones around you?
~Sophie
As you pointed out, it is important for us to contain the qualities that we are looking for in a role model. The fact is, most of us are looked up to by somebody, and the example we set will carry over into their lives. We must be very careful to make sure that this influence is a positive one.
ReplyDeleteDakota
Great Post Sophie!
ReplyDeleteI catch myself thinking of how I would love to make as much money as this person, or have the great car this guy has, and the sort. Many times we tend to focus on the things that are not important. I mean, how many of us would love to make Bill Gates money? I would, yet we fail to see that he has achieved that goal because of so many more important qualities he has displayed. Like diligence, or prudence. All these things put together in a smart man like Bill Gates, made the richest man on earth. Instead of wishing that we had some persons' money, or anything positive about this hero, let us focus on the qualities needed to achieve that goal.
I personally admire Abraham Lincoln. A very influential man, he made some pivotal decisions in the history of America. What we should admire from this man is not his power, or influence, but his honesty, diligence, and hunger for God.
Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve before kings;
he will not serve before obscure men.
Verses like this one are all over proverbs. They show us the wise way to do things.
One thing that the Devil tried to hide from us is the importance of wisdom, and how that can be so valuable in a person.
Proverbs 16:16
How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to choose understanding rather than silver!
We need to admire the wisdom and good character of people. Not their possessions or earthly riches. A hero is not a perfect person, it’s just a person that is really trying to please God with his life, and that is what to be admired from a person. At all times we should admire Jesus, but some times it is hard to relate to Jesus because he was perfect, and He is not here physically.
About being an example to others, I do find it hard. Not only because your personal life with God might waver, but also because you have several people, or in my case kids, looking up to me and seeing how I grow up in Christ. I think that to a certain point, that kind of pressure is good, and it works as a motivator. But I think it’s a privilege to be an example to others, it means you are doing at least something right. ;) Just imagine the pressure Jesus had! He didn’t have ten middle schoolers looking up to Him, He had the whole world depending their eternity on Him! That is crazy, and Jesus came out okay, so I think that some pressure is good.
-Jerry