Emulate The Good

On a daily basis we are bombarded by images of darkness. Books, movies, music, and video games have been carefully constructed to teach people of all ages to emulate evil. The hero or good guy has been swept under the rug and in his place the anti-hero has taken his throne. What is deemed popular or cool is a character who inflicts pain on the innocent or who demonstrates his power through sadistic means. As Christians we are called to "mediate on that which is good and of good report." (Philippians 4:8). Our baser nature desires to see these shadows and sinners. Many of us fail to make a "covenant with our eyes, (Job 31:1)" and flock to the cinema to see things we wouldn't dare watch if Christ were at our side.

Characters like Darth Vader, The Witchking, The Joker, General Zod, Venom, and plethora of other villains have become role models for children. When I was growing up there was an understanding that I could play and pretend to be Darth Vader, even own his lightsaber or action figure, but I was not to emulate or replicate his behavior. There had to be a disconnect between myself and Darth. I wasn't allow to hang a banner or poster of the dark lord of the Sith in my room. There was a fine line between liking a villain and worshiping him/emulating him. I was taught to be inspired by Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Obi-Wan. They were to be worthy of mimicking. Now the lines are blurred and young people have become enamored and enthralled by evil. The villains have become the new heroes and their twisted and complex folly is becoming the focus of fans.

The villain is essential to a plot. You can't have the conflict between a good protagonist and evil antagonist if the villain is absent. However, parents and mentors aren't seizing the opportunity to teach the next generation that the villain should be hated and the hero celebrated. Thomas A Kempis says, "imitate any examples that you see or hear and inspire you. But if you notice anything blameworthy, take care to avoid doing the same yourself." (The Imitation of Christ, pg 48). We should be inspired by characters who demonstrate selflessness, generosity, compassion, integrity, honor, and courage. Characters like Sam Gamgee, Lucy Pevensie, Yoda,  Sir Balian de Ibelin, Sir Galahad, Robin Hood, and many more should be what we seek to be like. But, above all of these we should seek to model Christ; "Remember your avowed purpose is to keep before you the likeness of Christ crucified." (The Imitation of Christ, pg 48). The hero we should be hanging on to and helping others see as the ultimate source of inspiration is Christ Jesus. Our Lord is not found in darkness, "he is Light." You won't find our savior's likeness in a sith lord or dark lord. He exists in each and every Christian who carries him in there "earthen vessel." (2 Corinthians 4:7). Teach all those you encounter to emulate those heroes who capture a piece of God's nature. But more importantly, direct them from distractions to the very source, who is Christ the Lord.