Our culture is filled with stories and ideals of heroes. We bestow the title of “hero” for deeds that seem to rise above normal human courage. Soldiers charging into enemy fire to save comrades or teachers shielding innocents from murderous rampages—both speak to a selfless frame of mind. A heroic act to save another is something that can never be repaid, and it is why we revere calling someone a hero. Sadly, even the most honorable of intentions and deeds does little to stop the growing darkness of a world that is sick and dying.
While we give a fleeting nod to selflessness, our society reveres those who vainly set themselves upon pillars to be honored and even worshipped. The entertainment industry is a self-aggrandizing enterprise, a distraction to show how Satan is transforming this world. Our end-time age is warned against this practice: “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts” (Revelation 9:20-21).
It is easy to point out obvious idolatry that we should avoid. What is difficult as a Christian is to not become blinded by subtle idolatry that is at times embraced by the world. In a recent CNN article about Pope Francis the author states, “The popular pontiff has also made a positive impression among Americans in general: Nearly three in four view Francis favorably. The new survey suggests that the Pope is arguably the most well-regarded religious figure among the American public today, said CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. According to one study, Pope Francis was the most talked about person on the Internet this year, and even atheists have professed appreciation for the 77-year-old pontiff.” This kind of hero worship, whether it is of debase or lofty ideals, is still false worship. Judgment is coming to those that practice it.
Satan has masterfully hidden away from this world the truth of Jesus Christ: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8-9). Christ gave His life for all who have or ever will exist. He alone is the epitome of Heroism because His self-sacrifice wasn’t in vain. Many have died to give others longer physical life. Only One has died to give us eternal life. Paul acknowledged this belief was not in vain, he had “…hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began” (Titus 1:2). Our hope is not in vain! The One True Hero is alive and He awaits for us to join Him in eternal life.
