We all remember the photos of the fire-fighters running into the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001 while the people inside were running out. Hundreds of them lost their lives that day as they responded to the call of duty. By laying down their own lives, they were able to rescue many from imminent death.

There were true heroes.

What Makes a Hero?

Watching little boys and girls dress up like superheroes speaks a loud message to those of us who are parents – kids are inspired by those who “save the day,” are “strong, brave, and courageous” and “help other people.”

Kids (and all of us) are looking for examples to follow – people who are human and fallible, but make choices to be courageous in the face of fear and take great personal risks to love and serve others.

While many children’s heroes are fictional characters in comic strips and movies, real life heroes still exist and they are all around us every single day, if we have the eyes to see. You will know them by their fruit.

A Real Hero Saves and Protects Lives

Real Heroes value life. They value all of humanity. They strive to save and preserve life whenever possible.

A Real Hero Fights Injustice and Evil

Fighting evil and injustice is not only for men and women on the front lines of a battlefield. It is also a war waged through word of mouth, writing, acts of service, standing in solidarity with those who are oppressed.

A Real Hero is Self-Sacrificing

Men and women of courage and character often end up denying and sacrificing themselves so that others may grow and live. They may even choose to enter situations that put their own lives at risk in order to serve or rescue someone else. In the moment of decision, they say “no” to selfishness and “yes” to service.

A Real Hero is Humble

Being a “Real Life Hero” isn’t about being perfect, but acknowledging weakness and drawing on the strength of God to empower them for the task at hand. These role models aren’t arrogant or proud, but humbly recognize that they are but one person, doing the good that they can with the one life they have been given.

A Real Hero Relies on God and Others

Real heroes aren’t isolated islands apart from the rest of humanity. They acknowledge that anything they accomplish that is deemed “heroic” in nature came through the ability and strength that God has given them and often through the assistance and help of others around them.

Unsung Heroes

Most Real-Life Heroes are never written up, read about, commemorated with medals, or even acknowledged by others. But they aren’t doing it for those reasons anyways.

The coolest thing to consider is that all of us can, by God’s grace, seek to grow in these character qualities. You don’t have to be a first responder, medical doctor, missionary, or soldier to lay down your life for others and be courageous.

Christ: The Greatest Hero of All Time

Christ came for one purpose – not “to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). He emptied Himself of “Superhero” status when he became human and wrapped himself in flesh that could bleed and cry, just like the rest of us.

He lived not for Himself but only “to do the will of My father in Heaven.” He laid down His life for us and provided an example of sacrificial love so that we might follow in His steps.

If you know an “unsung hero” – someone who lives to serve and lovingly sacrifice for others – perhaps take a moment today to write them a note of thanks or give them a call. As Romans 13:7 says, “Pay to all what is owed them…respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”