After the wake of September 11th, our definition of a hero has changed. A hero was once identified as a sports figure, celebrity, or Superhuman action figure. But now we see that a hero is not so much one who can leap a tall building in a single bound, but rather the one who rushes into the building with a single motive... to save lives.

A hero was once determined through popularity, fortune, or success; now a hero is determined through courage, commitment, and country. What was once a measurement of ability is now a measurement of will. And that is a fresh awakening to an ancient truth, for we all do not have the ability, but we all can have the will.

For a brief moment in history the entire world watched in numb silence as the towers crumbled to the ground; they watched as people fled for their lives; they watched as people lost their lives; they watched as heroes were being formed. For those risking their lives in the chaos it was not just a job; it was a life's ambition. And though their deaths be tragic, it is only by that means that we have been able to wipe away the collection of dust that has made us ignorant. It is clear now what has been true all along. They were the heroes.

And now we turn our faces from those endowed with fame, charisma, and talent, and look to those whose names we don't even know; whose faces we have never seen; whose families we have never met... and we call them our heroes.

A hero does not arrange the occasion; he simply rises to it when it comes. These heroes do not wear capes; they wear badges. These heroes do not fly in the sky; they fly our flag. These heroes do not make the most money in the world; they just deserve it.

And yet the world in its confusion is still calling out for answers, searching for people who have them. It is time for Christians to wake up! Why do we stand in awe when we should be kneeling with broken hearts? Souls are dropping into Hell with little or no knowledge of a Saviour or a need for one. They are fading away with the question "why?" still on their lips.

We watched America's heroes rush into the World Trade Center when lives were at stake, and Christians do not have the backbone to go into the world and preach the gospel when all of eternity is at stake. Where are the heroes of the faith?

Our temporary silence will only lead them to an everlasting wailing and gnashing of teeth. How will they hear if we are too busy living the lives that don't even belong to us? We are broken at the sight of the rubble on September 11th, 2001 and we are casual at the thought of Hell. More than ever, we need heroes-- true heroes!

The fire is already burning...