My Hero Academia is a YA anime series from Shonen Jump, featuring a school, U.A., that trains superheroes. The show features Deku, the iconic boy who eats, sleeps, and drinks, being like his hero, All Might, while learning he has an extraordinary power. But before you claim this is Harry Potter with spandex and more whining (always with the whiny voices), MHA represents the church’s responsibility to raise the next generation of believers.
The U.A. high school wants to foster the youth’s gifts: Students like Deku, Shoko, and Ochaco have superhero quirks that can be used to fight crime. The school is responsible for refining and enhancing the student’s power. Likewise, the church is called to help the next generation reach their potential. As Paul tells Timothy in his letter, “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” 2 Timothy 1:6. When Christians sharpen their gifts, they can use them more confidently for the service of others.
The U.A. challenges and tests the students: All Might and Aizawa constantly push them to get better and stronger. The path to becoming a hero involves rigorous exercises and challenges. Likewise, the church’s teachers and mentors must challenge the next generation of believers. They need to know how to persevere and overcome trials that the world will throw at them. “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.” Colossians 1:28
The U.A. has a singular focus: All Might is the mighty hero who represents the philosophy and purpose of being a hero. All students live and breathe his example. Deku never loses sight of his goal to be like him. The church can only thrive if it follows its prime leader, Jesus. He is the ultimate example of its purpose. Without Jesus as our foreseeable goal and ambition, the church gets distracted. 15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:15-16
Whether you are a student or a mentor in your faith, it’s essential to recognize the importance of our mission. We are not fictional superheroes engaged in epic battles; rather, we represent the future health of the church. We are God’s only means of demonstrating His goodness and love. Our training is vital.