A few years ago a reporter confronted a well-known sports figure who had had a run-in with the law and had received a lot of negative publicity. The reporter suggested that sports figures should avoid actions that set a negative example for youth, because we expect our heroes to behave better. The sports figure responded, “I don’t want to be a hero.”
Where have all the heroes gone? Who are our heroes today? Does anyone want to be a hero? In a recent survey (February 2009), respondents were asked to select from a list of choices to describe what makes someone a hero. The most frequently cited responses challenge us as Christians.
-
Doing what’s right regardless of personal consequences (89%).
Not giving up until the goal is accomplished (83%).
Doing more than what other people expect of them (82%).
Overcoming adversity (81%).
Staying level-headed in a crisis (81%).