Childhood Dreams

When I was younger, I used to daydream about having superpowers—super speed to dash into the street and save someone from a speeding car; super strength to catch a collapsing bridge before it crushed the people below; the ability to fly so I could swoop in and rescue someone from a burning building.

At first glance, it might seem like I really wanted to save people.

But the truth is that the real central theme of all those daydreams was me.

Sure, I was helping people—why wouldn’t I? But it wasn’t out of love for them or a sense of duty. It was about loving myself and who I wanted to be.

As I’ve grown older, I no longer dream about being a superhero (much)… but I’m still just as tempted to keep myself at the center of the story.

It’s hard not to. I tend to approach life like I’m the main character.

 

God’s Rescue Mission

Thankfully, God loves me enough to draw me out of that thinking.

In an amazing display that was anything but self-centered, God sent His Son on a rescue mission.

Because of Jesus’ death and atonement, He offers us the opportunity for a new life!

I’ve accepted His incredible gift of redemption by allowing Him to be the true hero of my life. And with that acceptance, He’s given me the Holy Spirit to dwell within me. I’m no longer held captive by my self-centeredness.

When I think about the incredible power of the Holy Spirit, it’s far greater than any power I ever dreamed of as a kid.

It’s the power of God doing an inner transformation in me.

It shapes me.

It matures me.

It makes me more like Christ.

This renovation of my heart and sanctification of my actions has given me more power through Him than I could have ever imagined.

Here’s the tension: if I’m not watchful and careful, I can still slip back into focusing only on myself.

But that’s not what this power is for.

This power is designed to help me love more—love God more, and love people more.

 

A Love to Share

This power shifts my love from being self-focused to Christ-centered.

• It puts Jesus at the center of the story.
• It propels my love outward.
• It empowers me to serve others in love.

This power projects the love of the true Superhero we have in Jesus!

It gives me a love unlike any I’ve ever known—and my Savior commands me to give it away:

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

You are my friends if you do what I command you.”

— John 15:12–14 (ESV)

 

A Prayer for Us

Oh Jesus,

Help us to truly live like your friends and lay down our lives for others.

Remind us of your love so your example leads us.

Reveal to us ways to show your love to our neighbors and friends

so they can receive and experience the power and love that only comes from you.

Amen.