December 9, 2009 in personal thoughts

The Epic Conference is an annual event where we gather students from Epic Movements around the country to share in worship, vision, and fellowship. More information about the Epic conference can be found on the website: http://epicconference.epicmovement.com/

The theme for the Epic Conference this year is “Hero.” This conference will be about how we can boldly be heroes and be used by God. Ever since I was young I have had a deep love for comic book super heroes. Part of me still wishes I could be a super hero. But in the Christian life, being a hero is much different than the way it is defined in the comics.

I would like to take a look at five super hero origins and how they illustrate some misconceptions of the Christian life.

The Flash: When a lightning bolt hit some chemicals in a police lab Barry Allen became The Flash. Sometimes in the Christian life it can be tempting to ask God for an easy fix. With the power and suddenness of a bolt of lightning God could change my situation. He could make life better for me. He could take away the issues in my life. But the Christian life is not found in instant fixes. Though God can change a situation in an instant, in his sovereignty He chooses to refine us over time instead.

Green Lantern: Hal Jordan was chosen as one worthy to be a member of the Green Lantern Corps. Sometimes in the Christian life it can be tempting to think that God has chosen me because of my abilities or character. But it is not based on anything of my own. Because it is grace that saves not works (Eph 2:8-9). But beyond salvation it is God’s will and His mercy for Him choosing me to serve, not my qualifications of ability or character.

Wonder Woman: Wonder Woman competed and won a competition of strength and intellect against the other Amazonian women to become an ambassador to mankind. Sometimes in the Christian life it can be tempting to try to compete for God’s favor or even compete to be the best. Often our competitive nature can creep back into our Christian lives. There is danger in comparing ourselves to others. It is God who gifts us according to His will.

Superman: Superman gains his power from the yellow sun but is guided by the morals of his upbringing. Sometimes in the Christian life it can be tempting to try to become morally perfect. Just as Superman is often labeled a ‘Boy Scout” Christians are often labeled for their choices on morality. But a Christian should never think that a firm stance on morals can set them right with God. For it is only in Christ that we are made right before God.

Batman: Years of training, devotion, and dedication made Bruce Wayne into Batman. Sometimes in the Christian life it can be tempting to try to make it all about hard work and dedication. Christianity can turn into legalism as faith becomes external and performance driven. God’s desire is for us to bring our whole heart to Him, not hide it behind a wall of performance.