The Mindset of a Hero
B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO
Strong, courageous, brave, and selfless are a few adjectives used when describing a hero. But how does one ultimately achieve the title of hero? There are a few professions in which actions expected as part of one’s normal responsibilities earn them the title of hero. Military, law enforcement, fire rescue, and medical service personnel to name a few. These professionals sign up to operate in uncontrolled environments that pose significant risks in order to protect, save, and serve. While many in these professions inherit the title of hero, others may only have the opportunity to earn the title after stepping up to do something that has a profound impact on others.
Christopher Reeve once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure despite overwhelming obstacles.” As our world experiences earthquakes, hurricanes, forest fires, and pandemics, it is amazing to watch individuals step up and impact people. Workers in industries like freight, grocery, manufacturing, and ministry are a few examples of people who in their normal daily work may not often be recognized as heroes. However, their willingness to continue their work despite increased risk and obstacles certainly fits most definitions of hero that I have read. Their perseverance contributes to life-sustaining efforts that impact people’s lives indefinitely. The simple truth is that there are more heroes among us than we may think. Most of whom are not as interested in the title as they are in investing in people. The mindset of a hero is one that is focused on others before self. Their mindset not only allows them to recognize the opportunity of service, but provides the fortitude for them to take action.
In challenging times, it is easy for our minds to be focused on all of the negative or sometimes scary things around us. These thoughts can have a debilitating effect on our emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. The Apostle Paul gave some very wise instructions in Philippians 4:8-9 when he said, “And now, dear brother and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me – everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” This is advice that each of us can use every day. The term “fix” means to secure in place or focus. If we are focusing only on things that are positive, excellent, true, and admirable, it is very hard for us to be discouraged and defeated. The best part of the passage is the reminder that with the correct mindset and actions, the God of peace will be with us. There is no better feeling than having the peace of God with you in difficult times, and no better Hero to look up to than our Lord and Savior.
Heroes don’t wear capes or have supernatural powers, they simply step up and take action when there is an opportunity to help others. Take the time to thank those heroes who have impacted your life, and never underestimate the opportunity that you have to be a hero to someone else.
Challenge: Focus your thoughts on things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Don’t be distracted by fear and obstacles. Look to the God of peace for strength and direction. Help others when presented with the opportunity to serve, not for a title or recognition, but for the pure satisfaction of investing in others.
Published: May 1, 2020
