What is a hero? We see them in films, books, video games, and almost any other medium of narrative. I love good stories that transport me into the protagonist’s shoes where I can heroically save the day. But what is a Christian version of these heroes? What can I do to be one? A Christian hero is born-again, has a mature relationship with the Holy Spirit, and shows great courage in believing and obeying God's Word.
First, a Christian hero must be born-again. A hero can only be a Christian through an act of regeneration by the Holy Spirit. At some point the hero must have the humility to realize he is an imperfect wrong-doer. As Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (NASB). Any act or thought that does not align with God's character, like lusting, lying, stealing, etc. will lead to eternal separation from God and eternal damnation to hell. The only way of escape is through the real hero, Jesus Christ, who courageously suffered death, betrayal, and agony for people who despised him. Christ died on the cross so that any who repent and believe on His name will have eternal life. The hero must follow the call, repent of his sins, and believe that Jesus died and rose again on the third day. After believing he will be made into a new creature and will able to start on the path to true heroics with the help of the Holy Spirit. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come" (NASB).
Second, a Christian hero is spiritual, which Charles Ryrie defines as a "grownup yet growing relation to the Holy Spirit" (Ryrie). A spiritual hero includes God in decision making. When deciding the path of life, the Christian hero asks "what decision would honor God the most?" As Proverbs 3:6 says "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" (NASB). It is easy to live for oneself but harder to live for God. The spiritual hero strongly cares how his actions affect his Savior. In order to honor God, the spiritual hero needs a clear understanding of God's will as revealed in Scripture (Eph. 5:17). Consistent scripture study prepares the hero to follow 1 Peter 1:13 which says, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (NASB). The spiritual hero also seeks God's help to navigate life. The parable of the unjust judge points out that God will gladly hear and help his children when they come to him in prayer. The Christian hero fully depends on God for guidance as he grows in his relationship with the Holy Spirit. Charles C. Ryrie's book "Balancing the Christian Life" delves into more areas of spirituality.
Third, a Christian hero shows courage and faith by believing and obeying God's Word. He has faith like Abel, who believed and obeyed God's command to sacrifice a lamb instead of produce. He has faith like Noah, who believed God spoke truly that rain would fall and floods would rise. Noah obeyed God's command, and he preached to people and prepared a way of escape. The Christian hero has faith like Rahab the harlot who believed the words of the spies and the judgment of the Lord and protected the spies at the risk of her own life. As Hebrews 11:37-38 says, "They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground" (NASB). A Christian hero must believe and obey God's Word even in the face of terrible distress.
A Christian hero is born-again, has a mature relationship with the Holy Spirit, and courageously believes and obeys God's Word. What does this look like in life? It looks like daily obeying God's commands in every area of the day. It is up to you, the reader, to decide if you will be a Christian hero or a Christian coward.