Super Heroes

Superman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman and many other comic book characters are considered super heroes. Super heroes are bigger than life characters that have powers beyond those of the ordinary person. They use these powers to make the world a better place and rescue people from evil.

Scripture speaks of God’s power in the world. “and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,” (Ephesians 1:19-20 ESV)  Man can develop power for great destruction and death.  Only God has the power to defeat death with resurrection life. This great power has been given to and is in us.  “ If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11 ESV)

Christians are all empowered by God with gifts of the Holy Spirit.  “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1Corinthians 12:4-7 ESV) This passage goes on to describe different gifts.  God has empowered each believer with unique gifts and purposes. Not all will receive and same gift or call from the Holy Spirit. We need to work together as the body of Christ.

Each super hero has a different super power. Each superhero has a different population that he or she serves. Each superhero has his or her special purpose. It would be very strange for Spiderman to believe that because he doesn’t have superhuman strength or x-ray vision that he must not be important. Superman, in turn, cannot discount that power and x-ray vision because he cannot spin webs or does not have a heightened “Spidey” sense like that of Spiderman. We would consider this foolish for the comic book heroes. They are all, by nature,   superhuman.

But often this is true among members of the body of Christ.  Comparing ourselves with our brothers and sisters, we can feel that we have more or less purpose and value than another, merely because of the gifts and talents that God has placed in us are not the same. We must remind ourselves, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)  All supernatural gifts of God are needed to perform God’s work of love in this earth.  The quietest action may actually be the most powerful for that moment.

Super heroes are ordinary, everyday people. When circumstances require extraordinary powers they leap into action. They slip into a disguise so that no one will know who they are. They do not want to be associated merely with special power what they have. We are to go about our daily lives following the leading of the Holy Spirit.  When opportunities arise that require super power we will draw on the power God has provided us. We are here to serve and protect hurting people around us. Much of what God calls us to do can be done in secret.  When our actions draw attention we are to ensure that our Heavenly Father receives the glory and not us.

Live today following the Holy Spirit.  As circumstances arise, access the power God has provided to bring life those you encounter.  Whatever you have to give God will use to accomplish His purpose.