When A Nation's Heroes are No Longer Heroic
Every nation lifts someone up as a hero. The question is whether those heroes are truly worthy of admiration.
In many generations the strongest examples of virtue were men and women who feared God, honored truth, and served others. Today, society often celebrates those who display charisma but not character. Many of the most visible figures lack humility, purity, and courage. Scripture warns that when a people forget God they begin to praise what God condemns.
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness” — Isaiah 5:20
A nation that admires the wrong people places itself on dangerous ground.
Modern culture often honors entertainers, influencers, and public figures who reject righteousness. Many of them boast in sin, mock holiness, and promote rebellion against God.
Yet young people are told to admire them.
The Bible shows that this pattern is not new. Israel once asked for a king so they could be like the nations around them. They admired Saul because he was tall and impressive to the eye. The Lord reminded Samuel, “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature. For the Lord seeth not as man seeth. For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
God evaluates heroes differently than the world does.
True heroes are those who walk in righteousness. The world may celebrate a person for a season, but only the righteous leave a legacy that blesses others. Real courage belongs to those who fear God more than man. Daniel stood firm in Babylon. Elijah confronted idolatry. Paul preached Christ in the face of persecution. These men did not win applause from their culture. They won the approval of God.
God’s people must resist the pressure to admire what the world exalts. Believers are called to honor things that are pure, lovely, and of good report. Paul wrote, “If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). The Christian measure of greatness does not come from popularity. It comes from obedience.
Parents must teach their children that the greatest heroes in history were servants of God. Moses chose “to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” (Hebrews 11:25). David stood against Goliath because he trusted the Lord. Ruth followed truth when her culture offered an easier path. Esther risked her life to protect her people.
These are virtues worthy of admiration. These are examples a nation should honor.
The church must lead the way by celebrating those who shine the light of Christ. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The greatest citizens are those who bring glory to God through lives marked by faithfulness.
A nation does not rise because it produces celebrities. It rises because it produces servants with clean hands and pure hearts. “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:3-4).
When a nation’s heroes are no longer heroic, God’s people must refuse to drift with the culture. We must return to the heroes of the Bible and to the qualities God calls praiseworthy. Let the world chase applause. Let Christians pursue faithfulness.
Our admiration should be shaped by the Word of God. Our example should be the Lord Jesus Christ, who “did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). A nation that honors righteousness can still find hope. A nation that admires wickedness cannot stand.
May God raise up a generation that loves virtue more than fame, and truth more than applause.
This article is shared again from our other publication, The Faithful Patriot, because we believe its message is worth hearing by as many readers as possible.
It is my prayer that this article was a blessing to you.
Victorious in Christ,
— Shawn F. Parker
Editor & Contributor, The Redeemed Report