Becoming a Modern-Day Hero: How?

Every November 10, we observe Heroes Day. This occasion is meant to be a reminder that young people appreciate the service of heroes, while also fueling their passion to fill independence with tangible works. 

Heroes are not only those who fell on the battlefield defending their homeland. Those who live in times of peace and strive for goodness are also worthy to be called heroes. For example, heroes for the environment, for organizations, or for the family. 

In truth, with the willingness to do good, everyone can become a hero. As believers, our lives must have a positive impact on others. Our presence should shine a light in the darkness of the world. What can we do to make this a reality?

Following Jesus, the True Hero

The Bible tells many stories of wars that feature a number of heroic figures. On average, they were tall and strongly built, wore full battle gear, and possessed great fighting ability or capable military strategy. With mighty valor, these people fought to seize cities, expand their territories, and increase their wealth through plunder. In essence, they fought for their own interests.

According to the Indonesian dictionary, a hero is a person who stands out for courage and sacrifice in defending the truth. Without a doubt, this definition is reflected in the Lord Jesus. The Bible portrays Him as a simple figure, a carpenter's son, far from the impression of a mighty warrior. Yet the Bible also tells how bravely Jesus spoke the truth, criticizing the corruption of the highly regarded religious leaders of His time. 

Jesus is the true hero. He did not come into the world to seize something for His own interests, but to snatch us from the hand of the devil. To save us from death and give us eternal life. The pinnacle of His work was His sacrifice on the cross, so that He could give the gift of salvation to those who believe. And Jesus did it with love, without asking anything in return from us.

"I came that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness." – John 10:10b

The life and teachings of Jesus are about giving. time and energy, but also their whole lives. Without the willingness to give, a person does not deserve to be called a hero.

Here are three attitudes we can practice to become heroes for others:

1. Strive for Others and the Environment

Not only in matters of faith,, Jesus also set an example of humanity through His extensive social ministry, which He carried out on the basis of God's word. Jesus healed the sick, fed many people, became a friend to the outcast, comforted those who were sad, and much more. 

Amid the sluggish economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you and your friends can share information about job openings, business opportunities, or seminars that increase skills / knowledge. You can also use products or services offered by friends, and help promote them. When shopping at traditional markets, buy basic necessities from vendors without bargaining excessively. 

No matter how much help you give, it will make the world a better place. There are so many people who need our helping hand right now. You can donate money or goods that may help ease their suffering or burdens. 

Animal lovers can support zoos. Since the pandemic, their income has decreased significantly. Meanwhile, the animals there still need to be cared for properly. You can also reduce plastic waste by bringing your own shopping bag, separating paper / plastic waste to donate to recycling organizations, and so on.

Opportunities to do good, both to others and to the environment will never run out as long as we live in this world. By sharing goodness, we can become heroes and angels without wings for others.

2. Love with Sincerity

By giving time, energy, and love, a person can become a hero for others. If today you are in a good and healthycondition, perhaps that is God's answer to someone else's prayer that has continued to be lifted up for you. If today you are spiritually strong and full of zeal, try to reflect: this certainly cannot be separated from the support of the people around you. 

God has placed good people as heroes in your life. Now it is your turn to become a hero by passing on the love you have received to others. For example, by listening to a friend or your parents pour out their hearts, sending a birthday gift to a friend, and so on. By doing these things, without you or them realizing it, you have become a hero to others.

3. Patience, a Quality Beyond Heroism

One who is patient is better than a hero, one who rules himself than one who captures a city. – Proverbs 16:32

Perhaps we think patience is an attitude of keeping still until a season passes. However, that is not the right definition. Patience is continuing to do good things, even in difficult times, until in the end we reap goodness, because we do not give up. 

Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not become weak. – Galatians 6:9

Let us ask ourselves, "How patient am I?" Are we quick to anger when someone provokes our emotions? Are we prone to complaining, disappointment, or irritation when we experience or receive something that does not match our desires? 

It cannot be denied, the pandemic period requires us to be more patient in many things. Patiently accompanying children as they study online. Patiently restraining ourselves from gathering with many people. Patient with family members at home, because WFH (work from home) makes us interact with one another more often, thus triggering many conflicts.

Even though right now your circumstances are not ideal, keep doing good things and keep your attitude good. In this way, you become a hero and a channel of blessing for others. Joyce Meyer said, "Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting."

If in the past our national heroes dared to die to seize independence, we today must dare to live to fill that independence. This means we do not merely live, but ensure that our lives make an impact on the world, namely by striving for others and the environment, loving sincerely, and being patient.

Happy Heroes Day!

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