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While most fictional stories feature characters who are clearly either heroic or villainous, many modern ones have embraced the use of antiheroes. Such characters are those who possess impure motives, actions, and qualities that noticeably fall short of true heroism. While antiheroes may make for entertaining characters, their half-hearted commitment to good is immensely dangerous for us to mimic in our relationship with God.
The Scriptures clearly demonstrate this through the accounts of its own antiheroes. One such character is Samson in Judges 13-16, whose partial commitment to God caused him to become enslaved to lust, vengeance, and disloyalty. Although the Lord used him mightily against the Philistines, his sins from violating his Nazirite vow, exacting selfish revenge (Jud. 15:4-5), and chasing pagan women severely corrupted his witness, critically damaged his relationship with God, and ultimately caused his capture and death. Another example is Jehu, who refused to surrender his and Israel's worship of Jeroboam's idols. Despite obeying God in eradicating Baal worship and Ahab's family, Jehu wrought severe physical and spiritual damage to his kingdom through refusing to fully surrender to Him (2 Ki. 10:31-33). One other biblical antihero is Jonah, whose prophetic ministry was severely compromised by his fear, pride, and unforgiveness. Although he eventually obeyed God in preaching to the Ninevites, his ungodly attitudes caused him unnecessary danger, grief, and resentment. While these men were used by God, their superficial commitment to Him resulted in fleshly, broken, and spiritually barren lives that robbed them of His best for them.
Conversely, the Scriptures showcase the astounding works God can accomplish in those who are wholly committed to Him. Among the best examples of this is the Apostle Paul, who lived in complete submission to God's will in all circumstances. Despite his murderous past, Paul was used mightily by God to plant multiple churches, bring innumerable souls to Christ, contribute at least thirteen books to the Bible, and provide an immensely powerful example that encourages believers to this day. Another example is Joseph in Genesis 37-50, whose faithfulness and prosperity blessed countless people and glorified God. Even after receiving unfair resentment and imprisonment from others, Joseph's unwavering devotion to God enabled him to withstand perilous trials, exemplify Christ to his enemies, and receive the wisdom necessary to deliver an entire nation from severe famine. A final example is David, who began his wholehearted commitment to God from his youth. Despite his multiple imperfections, David's surrendered life allowed God to give him multiple miraculous victories, dozens of beautiful psalms, and the prestigious title of being a man after His heart. Although these men were flawed sinners like us, their complete surrender to God made them available to be powerful instruments for His glory.
Likewise, this lifestyle of complete submission enables us to be used mightily by Him. A crucial step to living it is making God our only master. As Matthew 6:24 notes how we cannot serve two masters, we must remove anything from our lives that prevents God from being first in them, be it a sinful behavior, ungodly relationship, or self-centered pursuit. Another critical step is surrendering to His transformation process. Romans 12:2 notes how the world's influence on us cannot be broken unless we submit our mind, will, and desires to be conformed to God's. A third step is building our trust in God for all circumstances. Matthew 6:33 commands us to trade our worries for a constant dependence on Him because He will meet our needs when we seek Him and His kingdom first. Finally, these and other steps all help us accomplish the most crucial step: deepening our love for God. As Matthew 22:37 notes, complete surrender to Him requires that we love Him with every part of our being, especially our heart, soul, and mind. Thus, as we grow in submission, holiness, faith, and love from following these steps, our lives will become increasingly available to God for His perfect purposes for us, our brethren, and the lost.
The half-hearted antihero lifestyles of Samson, Jehu, and Jonah showcase the spiritual rot, lost opportunities, and weakened witness that come from attempting to simultaneously serve God and our flesh. Conversely, the fully submitted lives Paul, Joseph, and David lived beautifully demonstrate the mighty works, immense blessings, and intimate relationship that God will work in us when we completely surrender to Him and His will. We too can live this submissive lifestyle and receive God's best for us by making Him our only master, surrendering to His transformation process, building our trust in Him, and loving Him with all our being.
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