“Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and valiant men in mixing strong drink, who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away the rights of the ones who are in the right” (Isaiah 5:22-23).

In the frontier days of America there was a rather notorious “river-man” named Mike Fink who frequently boasted, “I can outrun, out fight, and out drink anyone here!” Maybe he could, but are those skills of which one should be proud?

The prophet Isaiah pronounced woes upon those whose greatest exploits involved alcohol, bribes, and injustice. It is desirable to develop our abilities, but only if those abilities involve doing good, not evil.

The hero word is tossed about carelessly in our culture today. Athletes, singers, actors, and many other celebrities are held before us as role models, experts on what is good for us, and heroic figures. Is one really a hero because he can pass for 4,000 yards in an NFL season? Or because she can handle a soccer ball with her feet more deftly than most? Does making a platinum album qualify someone to serve as an example of character for our children? Or does beauty and acting skill prepare them for advising us on the proper philosophy of life?

A key part of the definition of “hero” is: “[someone] admired for his achievements and noble qualities.” Accomplishments alone do not create a hero. Character is a necessary component. We admire the great athlete or beautiful actress, but their physical gifts do not qualify them as examples for our lives. Even less should we seek to follow those whose “great” deeds are unwholesome or evil.

I am often amused at the list of world records maintained by Guinness. Who really cares how long the biggest strawberry shortcake was? Or who had the most pairs of shoes in their closets? I get it that there is a fascination with such facts, and that those records allow otherwise “ordinary” people to get their name in a book. But does that make their accomplishment heroic? Of course not.

When it comes to admiring someone to the point of making them our primary example and guide, there is only one best choice. That, of course, is Jesus.

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Paul urged, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Human role models qualify for that honor by setting their eyes on Jesus and molding their character after his.

“If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness” (Romans 8:10).

Some skills are to be avoided. Living according to the pattern set by Jesus is to be praised and imitated. Let us select our heroes carefully.

Michael Brooks, link to original article