One of my favorite origin stories has to be Peter Parker’s journey to becoming Spider-Man. He starts off as a geeky teenager who really doesn’t have much going for him. He isn’t strong or athletic. The popular kids bully and harass him at every turn. And he doesn’t have a way with the ladies. But all that changes when he’s bitten by a radioactive spider. Overnight, he gains superhuman strength and reflexes and he’s able to walk on walls! So what does Peter immediately do with his newfound powers?
First, he gets even with the bully that’s been harassing him and nearly breaks his arm. Then he enters a wrestling contest to win the top prize so he can buy a car to impress the girl he’s secretly in love with. Unaware of Peter’s secret but sensing that he’s begun the transition from boy to man, we reach that pivotal moment where his Uncle Ben offers him some sage advice. He tells Peter that the choices he makes throughout these adolescent years will go on to define the kind of man he will eventually become. And then he utters the most profound line ever:
“With great power comes great responsibility.”
Peter chooses to ignore his uncle’s words and wins the wrestling match, but when he goes to collect his reward, the promoter stiffs him. Shortly after this exchange, a thief holds up the promotor and steals the night’s profits. Peter lets the thief escape in retaliation for being cheated out of his winnings. It’s a choice that costs him when that same thief shoots his uncle in an attempted carjacking. Peter loses his Uncle Ben but ultimately comes to terms with the responsibility of the power he has. He accepts that he has a moral obligation to use those powers to help those in need.
Scriptural Comparison
Jesus taught the same principle in Luke 12:48. “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him, they will ask the more.”
The context here is that God has given us a great deal and that it came at great expense. He gave His life for us so that we could gain access to every spiritual blessing under heaven (Ephesians 1:3). In addition, He’s also gifted each of us with a measure of time, talent, and treasure. We, therefore, have a moral and spiritual obligation to use what He has given us to be a blessing to others. Yet, much like Peter, we tend to use our gifts to further our own careers or to obtain some measure of notoriety. It takes a level of maturity to understand that all that God has invested in us is there so that we can reflect His glory in the earth. And like any savvy investor, He expects a return on that investment.
Practical Application
So how exactly can you apply this knowledge in your own life?
- First, understand the great measure of your power. Evaluate your gifts and give thanks to God for investing in you.
- Secondly, evaluate your responsibility. Ask God to help you find ways to use your unique gifts and influence to be a blessing to the people around you.
- And finally, be open to God’s direction. Listen to his guidance and allow Him to direct your steps as you seek to use your gifts for His glory.
The true test of any hero is sacrifice. For Peter Parker, his role and responsibility as Spider-man often forced him to put the needs of others above his own. Accepting your responsibility to carry out your God-given assignment will be no different. There will be times when you will have to put your own wants aside in order to carry out God’s will. But the reward for placing God’s interests above your own is one that pays in eternal dividends.
Until next time!
Rene Hinojosa
