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| han hyo joo, superman |
What is the difference between a model and a hero?
You admire them both. You look up to them both. In a sense, you need them both. But you approach them in different ways. The former would most likely make you imitate him, and the latter most likely fill you with awe. The model sets an example for you to follow, producing in you the same trait he shows. If he runs, you run. If he speaks that way, you speak that way. On the other hand, the hero sets an example of someone extraordinary whom you can't follow or imitate, producing in you the exact opposite of the trait he shows. If a hero showed his authority, you submit. If power, you sense your powerlessness. Somehow they're different.
But GOD is both your best Model and your best Hero.
GOD as Model: "Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1,2)
GOD as Hero: "Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!'” (Revelation 5:13)
GOD is both your best Model and your best Hero because of His perfect, wondrous attributes, which can actually be categorized into two: natural and moral or incommunicable and communicable.
Incommunicable/natural attributes are the attributes of GOD that belong only to His divine nature and cannot be possessed or communicated to other beings. They're attributes that make GOD unique. An example is His omnipotence (GOD is all-powerful). No other being can be omnipotent so it's a natural/incommunicable attribute.
Communicable/moral attributes are the attributes of GOD that GOD can give or communicate to other beings. They are also called moral* attributes because these attributes have something to do with morals or ethics like love and justice. We, humans, can possess these attributes and, as the image of God, are designed to do so.
What makes GOD Hero is His incommunicable attributes. What makes GOD Model is His communicable attributes. And what makes Him the BEST Hero and BEST Model is that He's PERFECT in all His attributes.
Woe to The Youth's Idols!
Youth are fond of idols, not in the sense of pagan idolatry, but in overly esteeming famed persons like celebrities, performers, sportsmen, etc. Oftentimes to the point of setting them as heroes. We buy their posters. We get their autographs. We are excited by their presence. We rejoice in their victories. We sympathize with their downs. We stay updated with their well-being. More than that, we also set them as our models. We wear their trademarks. We buy their stuff. We sing their songs. We imitate their looks, their words, their practices. We pattern our lives to theirs and we end up becoming materialistic, sensual, self-centered persons.
Oh, how far have they molded us! Finite and sinful human beings of media and Hollywood like Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift have thrilled our souls so much more than the Infinite, perfect GOD who is infinitely far more beautiful and admirable and amazing and famous than any other being in the whole universe.
GOD is the best Model and Hero whom we should worship, esteem, and imitate. Let us dwell on His attributes--communicable and incommunicable. Let Him be our Best Model and Best Hero. And if ever there are human beings whom we should set as a model (persons we imitate) and "heroes" (persons we respect), let them be godly persons like the Apostle Paul (see 1 Cor. 4:16, 11:1).
Next time, we shall meditate on each of GOD's attributes.
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*Some differentiate moral attributes with mental attributes like truthfulness and wisdom.
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