What Makes a True Hero?

Posted on Sep 27, 2018 Topic : Inspirational/Devotional, Men's Christian Living, Women's Christian Living
Posted by : Steve Riach

The word “hero” is misused and overused in our culture. Dictionary.com (what happened to thumbing through the ten-pound Merriam-Webster version?) defines a hero as a person noted for courageous acts or nobility of character; a person who, in the opinion of others, has special achievements, abilities, or personal qualities and is regarded as a role model or ideal; or the principal male character in a story, play, film, etc.

Yet, as you read publications or online articles or watch the news, you find that the word “hero” gets tossed about like pennies into a fountain.

Heroes, it seems, are a dime a dozen today.

Or are they?

What is it that makes a true hero? Ability? Achievements? Popularity? Power? Or is it something more intrinsic, something deeper?

I say it is.

Look back at the definition above. Nobility of character…regarded as a role model or ideal. Heroes are not characters, as the media would sometimes have us think. Rather, they are people of character. Good character. Men and women whom others admire and even want to follow because of their example of virtue and selflessness. Those who exhibit—no, embody—traits such as commitment, leadership, perseverance, teamwork, respect, integrity, responsibility, self-control, and compassion. These are true champions in my book.

These people are human, for sure. Fallible? You bet. Flawed and imperfect? Like us all. Yet something lies deep within them that makes them worthy of our admiration. They never give up, they treat people right, they live in integrity, and they use their platform to impact others. This describes the heart of a true champion…or maybe even a hero.

I’ve had the incredible privilege of telling the stories of these kinds of true champions for more than 30 years. I’ve been all over the U.S. and trekked to different countries to talk with them, observe them, and then tell their stories.

These men and women exhibit the heart of a true champion. They have been acclaimed for their records, medals, and titles, and they have been considered among the best in the world at what they do. Yet each one lives for something greater, something bigger than themselves. As you read stories of true heroes, I hope you see what I have seen, and I hope you, too, are inspired to live for something greater.