We watch superhero movies with a twinge of envy. What could we do with super strength or lightning speed or the ability to read minds? The appeal of these movies is the powers of otherwise ordinary heroes and their ability to use them for good.

It is a perfect escape because most of us feel so helpless all the time. So puny. So weak. So outmatched when it comes to the evils of this world and the problems in our lives. Superhero movies indulge us with the impossible fantasy – that we might be capable enough to eliminate evil.

One thing the movies get wrong is that evil is not something that needs to be punched into submission. War is neither the only nor the most effective form of finding peace. We often perceive the world on a superficial level. 

Most pain, however, is deeper than the surface. Evil is more serious than the superficial manifestations. And so is our power.

For each of us, our superpower is not in the physical realm. It is not as blunt or sexy as in the movies. Our power lies in our ability to choose. It is our choices that change things. We confront evil through the courage of our decision-making.

We dismiss the power of our choices because we have bought into the lie that we are not enough and need something else, something incredible, to strike a miracle into the world. Our choices are the miracle. Our ability follows us around everyday. 

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.”
– Deuteronomy 31:19