It seems like superhero movies are a big deal these days. Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Iron Man and all the others fly off the big screen at us. Larger than life heroes, many with their own flaws, but each fighting the bad guys and defending folks just like you and me.
Of course, superheroes don’t really exist, and it is sad what some people see as heroic. Let’s face it, a basketball player isn’t a hero, he’s just playing a game. And the latest movie sensation? She may be a great actress, but a hero?
And yet there are real heroes, heroes we really need, like our police officers, our men and women in the military, or our firefighters. We need those men and women to step up for us and we appreciate them for it!
But there are other heroes we need too. Our communities and neighborhoods are full of them. Real heroes are those who don’t think about their self-sacrifice, they calmly and without fanfare do what needs to be done. I’m reminded of what Jesus said, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1 ESV) We need men and women like that whose goal is not to be seen, but to serve.
These quiet heroes don’t make too many headlines. They are too busy taking care of a handicapped child or an aging parent. Some of them are generous to a fault, helping neighbors, friends, and family in time of need. Others get involved in the community, volunteering in Churches or at the schools. Some work 40 hours a week, some are retired, some have a lot of resources, and some manage to do a lot with just a little.
Some of those quiet heroes carry crushing burdens with amazing grace; some are bowed down with worries and cares. The bible reminds us to “encourage one another and build one another up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV) Could you be that encourager that someone needs this week? Maybe the Lord is putting someone on your heart, some quiet hero that you noticed recently?
Are you willing to be the encourager that God calls you to be? If you are, then you will become a blessing to your family, to your friends, and even to our community. And then you may find God has freed you to be the hero. To be the quiet hero He always intended for you to be!