Who Are Your Heroes?

Ed McCully, Pete Fleming & Jim Elliot, missionaries to Ecuador

As we hear about another famous person whose personal morals finally brought them to public disgrace, it should cause us to ask ourselves about the standards we set for elevating someone to the status of "hero."


As our nation slips further into a post-Christian mentality, the standard is constantly slipping. The label "hero" used to be reserved for those whose character was above reproach. Heroes were those who exemplified the very best in "human nature." Those who displayed courage, leadership, wisdom and moral purity were looked up to and emulated. 


As our culture has shifted from the worship of God to the worship of entertainment and fame, those who are looked up to often have very little in the way of commendable character. Riches and glory have taken the place of wisdom and honor. Physical talents and abilities have replaced character qualities as the traits most admired. It matters very little how these people behave or what they believe, as long as they entertain and amaze us.


How does this apply to parenting? 


Intentionality in valuing character above fame needs to be woven into the fabric of our family values. Our children need to see us honoring those whose character deserves honor. They need to see us choosing as our heroes those who are godly men and women of faith. We need to be telling them the stories that aren't told any longer about the Christian heritage of this nation. They should be reading biographies of missionaries and martyrs. Or better yet, we could be reading them out loud as a family and discussing the character each story reveals. 


We also need to help them learn to cut through the propaganda of the media that focuses on ungodly character. We should encourage them to look for those in sports who display honor and courage and faith, even if they aren't the biggest "star" on the team. Television shows, if watched, need to be carefully chosen to affirm character qualities that honor God. We cannot be deceived into believing that it doesn't "hurt" us to watch things filled with sex, crude humor, language, and violence. What we allow into our minds impacts our spirits. We have to stop being willing to compromise with personal holiness simply to be entertained. 


Intentionally choose heroes for your children to admire. And don't be mistaken. They will admire someone. Wouldn't it be better for you to help them choose heroes worthy of honor?


As always, the Lord has been reminding me of this because I need to hear it again. And again and again. I am so glad He is such a patient teacher, because I am a slow learner. :)