Reading: Romans 3:5-8
Reflective Thoughts
The need for a hero
You don’t have to watch Marvel comics to see the connection between the interest of our political leaders and fighting crime. Just listen the next time candidates run for mayor in any city election. The number one agenda will be his or her plan to “clean up the streets.”
Now, suppose the criminals in a given city began accusing the mayor of being corrupt for prosecuting them, since it’s their existence that helps the mayor win the election. Or suppose those criminals began reasoning that the crimes they commit should be done more frequently, so that the mayor can gain in his popularity among voters for his crime prevention tactics. This line of reasoning, we would say, is absurd-except perhaps for a comic book plot. It was equally absurd to the Apostle Paul-and yet some were accusing him of making such false arguments.
You see, some had trouble acknowledging that they needed a hero. The gospel itself is only good news to those who know that without it, there is only bad news. And in the heart of even the Christian-after we have been found in Christ-there is still a regular need to clean up the streets of our own hearts. If we don’t acknowledge this on a daily basis, we take grace for granted. Philippians 2:12-13 tells us that, as we strive to live this Christian life, it’s still God who works in us. We need a Hero every day.