Morning Devotion - Why the World Needs A Superhero

I was watching the movie Superman last year, and one of the scenes caught my attention. It was one where Lois Lane was writing an article entitled: Why the world needs Superman. And it really got me thinking – Why is it that we need superheroes?

Well, I gave it some thought, and this is what I’ve come up with.

In today's troubled world, perhaps many of us would want someone we can look up to, someone we respect, someone with great ability, and in a sense someone ‘super’. The list of superheroes is virtually endless: Superman, Spiderman, Captain Planet, perhaps? Or even the Powerpuff Girls.

Perhaps it is the human nature in us, that when faced with the stresses and problems of life, we would wish we had the power to make things easier for us. After all, who wouldn’t want to possess the power of flight, so that we can come to school in style, avoiding the morning rush-hour traffic in the process? Or with super-speed to complete all our tutorials, or even finish the marking of exam scripts in minutes?

All these, would then demonstrate the insecurities of Man. We are afraid of what we cannot do. After all, we are human. We have our limits. And more often than not, we are stretched to those limits. It is also during these times of need that we would cry out to God. The times where we cannot accomplish things on our own – where we would seek help from a greater power. In trying times that I’ve been through, there was no Superman, no Batman, no Spiderman who came to my rescue. It was always the hand of God that has lifted me up.

This actually made me wonder, if superheroes were actually modelled after someone real? If it is, then I would think that there is no other man but Jesus. He is the very person who died to save us. He brings us comfort in the night, he gives us assurance through the storm. I rejoice in Him, for He has brought me life. I give thanks to Him, for he is my provider, my ultimate superhero.

And of course, God has placed many human heroes around us. People who are able to complete seemingly impossible tasks or overcome insurmountable odds. These are friends, teachers, seniors – anyone – whom we look up to, they are people who inspire and influence us.

So if there is anyone who has in fact impacted you, I would encourage you to walk up to that person, and let him, or her know that he’s your hero. I am sure, that even heroes will need words of encouragement!

With that being said, what about the rest of us? Have we thought about being heroes ourselves? Certainly, we do not need to possess any superpowers to be able to inspire others, nor would we need any special skills to be able to touch lives. All we need, is to have a sincere heart.

The bible tells us that The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. Colossians 3:23-24 also reads: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

So, would we then, heed His call to be Salt and Light of the World – to let our light shine before men? All we need to do, is to give of ourselves, and to open up our hearts. And in doing so, we will become heroes in our very own right.