I am a person who is easy to inspire. We all need examples in our lives that we can look to with great excitement and anticipation of their heroic feats that will overcome evil. It is what Haddon Robinson calls the “show me” of a sermon. People need to see what you are talking about in the lives of real people before they can assimilate the truth and be motivated to action. I know that in our world today true heroes are scarce. Who are we kidding, there have always been few heroes (the alarmist in me always pushes me to act like today is worse than any other–but that is another blog all together). While biblical characters can and should serve as these heroes (Christ being the source for them all), it is necessary for us to find these type of men in our lives today, showing that it can still be done. I have always had heroes. Most recently, my heroes have been illustrated in those who go to war, fighting for our freedom. I also admire those who put themselves and their reputation on the line to do the right thing. How hard that is. The true mark of a hero for me is the type of person who lives up to the greatest ideals, ready to sacrifice his life for another. I used to think I had a death wish because I would always find a deep longing and desire to be like the one who gave up his or her life for something bigger than themselves (e.g. Braveheart). Of course how people define “bigger than themselves” is very subjective.

Anyway, quickly to the subject of my blog. As far as fictional hero’s go, there have not been any that I can remember in my lifetime that illustrate the characteristics of a hero to me more than Jack Baur of the series 24 (I know…it is a fictional character–give me a break). It is without a doubt the best series on TV right now. Yes, there is violence, blood, and tense situations (no one should watch 24 if they have a heart condition–seriously), but these situations have great value in building Jack’s character. In short, Jack is a no nonsense, domestic warrior who is self-commissioned and determined to do whatever it takes to protect people. His non-politically correct style goes against the popular Hollywood conception that heroes have to concede to such silly notions as human rights for terrorists. 

Jack rarely mentions God, he is not spreading the Gospel, and he does not carry a Bible. Yet, it is hard for me to imagine anyone who consistently humbles himself to the position of a servant the way Jack does. He is constantly willing to give his life for another. Primarily his devotion is directed to country, the United States. In the episode tonight, as Jack was getting ready to be sacrificed on behalf of the country (for the fifth time in the last five seasons!), he was being consoled by his superior who was very sorry that death was immanent, Jack said, ”While I was in China, I feared that my death would be meaningless. This is a relief to me sir. Now my death will be meaningful.” (Wow! Get chills just writing this).

This attitude that Jack Baur displays toward the USA is the exact attitude that I want to have for the Lord. I want to be able to live my life everyday understanding that my significance is only found when everyday I am willing to give everything up for the Lord. Jack’s self-perception never gets in the way of this sacrificial attitude. On the contrary, it is his motivating drive. No matter how many times he has been betrayed, distrusted, or disappointed by his fellow man, he never waivers or is the least bit hesitant to give it all up one more time for the greater good. I pray that my own self-perception never motivates me to protect myself when the greater good is knocking at my door. This does not mean that I am looking to die (although that could be), but to recognize everyday that there are many things that are bigger than myself or anything I am doing that could call me to follow Jack and all the other real heroes that have lived throughout history. 

How can I do this? It probably starts with my wife and family. You know, I always find it easier to conceive of myself yielding to my ideals when death is the option, but why do I find it so hard to display this humility and correct self-perception when the stakes don’t seem so high? Like doing the dishes for my wife? Ouch! That hurt myself. I guess I have to start with the “little stuff.”

John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

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