By DRAKE HUNTER | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
Today, superheroes are a huge part of our culture — found in movies, video games, comic books and costumes. Many people are eager to discover heroes to admire, captivated by their astonishing powers and inspiring courage.
What sets superheroes apart is their unique abilities. For example, Iron Man utilizes his genius-level intellect and cutting-edge technology, while Black Panther draws enhanced senses and strength from the mystical Heart-Shaped Herb. Wonder Woman wields her Lasso of Truth and a magical sword, the Flash captivates with super speed, and Captain America embodies justice with his iconic shield. Collectively, they represent the superpower of courage, driven by deep appreciation and gratitude.
Like the legendary characters we are fond of, every human possesses a transformative superpower: gratitude. This powerful trait can change our perspectives, strengthen our relationships and empower us to face challenges with resilience and joy. Gratitude shifts our focus to the positives in our lives, cultivating contentment and positivity in a world rife with distractions and difficulties.
Much like a superhero’s determination, gratitude empowers us to rise above circumstances, compelling us to spread kindness, offer encouragement and impact the lives of others. Simple actions like starting a gratitude journal, expressing appreciation to loved ones or volunteering in your community can help you incorporate gratitude into your daily life.
Gratitude is a vital component of the Armor of God, a biblical symbol outlined in Ephesians 6:10–18. This spiritual armor protects those who follow God, equipping them to withstand spiritual battles.
Let’s delve into this analogy:
- The Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14): Gratitude aligns our hearts with God’s truth, allowing us to recognize and celebrate His goodness and faithfulness. By focusing on this truth, we can stand firm against the lies of negativity and despair.
- The Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14): Gratitude guards our hearts, aligning us with God’s righteousness. A thankful heart resists bitterness and nurtures love, strengthening our faith and relationships.
- Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15): Gratitude equips us to walk in peace, empowering us to carry God’s love wherever we go and to bring hope to a fractured world.
Additionally, the Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16) illustrates how gratitude fortifies our faith, enabling us to trust in God’s provision and protection. Thankfulness helps us extinguish the fiery arrows of doubt and fear, reinforcing our belief in His divine plan. The Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17) reminds us that gratitude keeps our minds focused on salvation and our eternal hope in Christ, shielding us from discouragement. The Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) arms us with God’s Word, allowing us to speak truth and encouragement into our lives and the lives of others, becoming a powerful tool for overcoming obstacles and sharing God’s love.
So, the next time you admire a superhero’s bravery or strength, remember you possess a superpower, too. By practicing gratitude daily and donning the Armor of God, you can unlock the extraordinary ability to infuse hope, joy, and love into your life and those around you. Gratitude is not a distant ideal, but a superpower within your grasp. With gratitude as your superpower and the Armor of God as your safeguard, you become the superhero in your narrative — perhaps even someone else’s.