As a keen reader of Nancy Drew throughout my middle grade years and early teens, I determined to live my life like her, and to one day own a blue convertible.

Everything about Nancy’s mystery solving life appealed to me.  I loved her preparedness.  Stowed in the trunk of her convertible was a suitcase packed with emergency clothing and toiletries.  She also had a first aid kit back there and a torch (flashlight) in the glovebox.  I loved her investigative skills.  Her ability to find clues and solve mysteries.  I loved her fearlessness.  Nancy wasn’t scared of strange noises, dark tunnels, hidden staircases, deep wells, thick forests or bad tempered farmers, shop keepers, real estate agents…you get the idea.

So, how have I done living up to my Nancy Drew?  I like to be prepared.  I have a first aid kit in the glove box of my car and a baby seat in back in case I get a call for an emergency pick up.  But bad tempered people frighten me.  However, life has been full of investigating.  Who moved the car keys?  What made that noise in the street?  When did you need to be at rehearsal?  Where did that sock go?  How did you not see that fallen branch, huntsman spider, street sign…you get the idea.

Whatever happened to my blue convertible?  Well, that convertible was part of my fantasy grown up self.  After all, my beloved Nancy was a fictional role model.

Role Models and Heroes

Admiring role models and adoring heroes is typical for children.  In my day I had to wait for my Birthday or Christmas to receive a new Nancy Drew book.  It’s different for children today.  Heroes are accessible 24/7 on live streaming or social media platforms.  Influencers work hard to impact children’s lives.  There’s a lot of money in it.  Through gaming and virtual reality children can become their hero.

What Has Happened to Superheroes?

I could always rely on the Nancy Drew of my childhood to do the right thing but evidently the role models and heroes of today can be selfish, egotistical and narcissistic.  Even evil.  Their evilness is explained away by a terrible event in their past that is meant to make it perfectly understandable.  And I recently read a post promoting children to become their own hero.  If they’re told they’re heroic enough in themselves, then they won’t see the need for a Saviour, will they?

Jesus is the Perfect Role Model

Years ago there was a tendency to portray Jesus as a superhero.  It was a new and exciting idea to tap in to children’s love of superheroes and the juggernaut of movie releases.  I personally would not choose to use this analogy anymore.  As superheroes have become not so super, it does Jesus a great disservice.  It is true Jesus acted heroically.  He did have a quest and He was victorious.  But Jesus is so much more!  Jesus is the best role model because He was, and is, perfect in every way.  He was perfect in obedience, even though it meant dying on the Cross.  He demonstrated enormous compassion for people which was outworked by miracles of healing and provision.  And He loves us the way the Father loved Him. (John 15:9)

What does this mean for Kid’s Ministry?

Anyone who volunteers in Kid’s Ministry is a role model.  Children are watching you, and your reactions, all the time!  We want to be ‘imitators of Christ’ (1 Corinthians 11:1) but we know we are not perfect and make mistakes.  That’s why everything we do must be point to Jesus. His perfection.  His love.  His sacrifice on the Cross.  His glorious resurrection from the dead.  And His return one day!  Always preach Jesus and the Gospel of Salvation.  Children need to know they are sinners who need a Saviour.  No amount of good behavior and character building will save them.  He will never let them down.  Jesus is the only role model worthy of worship now and forevermore!