We all know
that one of the key features of a super hero is that they have a secret
identity. The reasons are multiple and
the existence of an alter ego is necessary to the success of the hero. The primary reasons are simple enough.
First there
is the need to protect the friends and family from the villains our heroes
combat. We have seen the results on page and screen of an enemy learning of
this secret identity. The family is
attacked and harmed. This drives the need to secret his identity.
The other
primary reason is the idea that they are doing wrong by fighting wrong. They are often seen as vigilantes by the
local police and government. The good
they do is seen as unlawful and interference even when they do good to the
entire city. No matter the reason our
driven hero pays a high price in this area for doing what he feels he must do.
I think that
there is a third reason that is more important than either of the necessary
ones. Underlying Spiderman’s bravado or
Batman’s sense of justice is a truth that is necessary to discovering and
developing our super power(s). That truth
is humility. Superman is not seeking
recognition. Batman desires neither
accolades nor approval. Evan Spiderman
is humble when pressed on the matter.
I think at
the core of every true hero is a humility that is difficult to describe. That humility is necessary to his or her
success. It goes back to the thought
that “with great power comes great responsibility.” We cannot move in a spirit of pride and use
our power well. What we must remember is
who we are.
As a Christ
follower I am both someone who sees the world in all its need and becomes a
hero to fight for its redemption and someone who is born into it with the
responsibility of a hero thrust upon me by providence. What matters is that I truly and with
humility embrace the latter without ever forgetting the former. I have no right to look down on anyone because
I come from the same place they do. I
must, however, realize that I am now an alien with power beyond my own self and
embrace that identity with humility.
Now, a staple of the
superhero mythology is, there’s the superhero and there’s the alter ego. Batman
is actually Bruce Wayne, Spider-Man is actually Peter Parker. When that
character wakes up in the morning, he’s Peter Parker. He has to put on a
costume to become Spider-Man. And it is in that characteristic Superman stands
alone.
Superman didn't become Superman. Superman was born Superman. When
Superman wakes up in the morning, he’s Superman. His alter ego is Clark Kent.
His outfit with the big red “S” – that’s the blanket he was wrapped in as a
baby when the Kent's found him. Those are his clothes. What Kent wears – the
glasses, the business suit – that’s the costume. That’s the costume Superman
wears to blend in with us. – Bill, Kill Bill Volume II
Key to the
success of this secret identity is letting my deeds speak for themselves. I must employ my super powers for the sake of
others and never for gain. I must not
boast about my identity. I must not even
try to use my gifts for my own purposes.
My cloak, cowl, and mask must be that of humbly doing good for others
with no thought of recognition or praise.
In this lies a vital key to discovering and using my power well.
Wishing you
joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So
Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of
Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new
and old things from his great treasure store."
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