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A Movie Worth Skipping
I saw a movie yesterday for which I wish I could have my money back. It was one of those movies, that honestly, I hesitate to mention I even saw because of the reaction that that might bring. But, I’m curious about the reaction of others, so even if I never mention the name of this horribly disappointing movie, you’ll know which one I’m talking about.
I was hoping for some type of thriller, action-adventure movie when I entered the theater with my husband. It was Labor Day, and we were on a date, and a movie seemed like just the ticket for the rainy day that it was becoming around here. I will admit that I did not read any of the reviews but went in based on the timing of our arrival and on reputation of the lead actor. Big mistake. Or, perhaps I just made too many assumptions. The only meaningful synopses I can give you of this movie are these two very sad truths:
1. If George Clooney has to have a nude woman on the screen for two-thirds of the film in order to keep the attention of the viewers, then George has lost a little bit of the charm for which I had given him credit. And,
2. I am profoundly blessed to say that I do not understand, nor have I ever known, such a dreary, hopeless, meaningless, wasteful place of existence from which this main character comes.
I have learned that sometimes, with pop culture and current events, it is best to look for the redemption in things as a way of at least trying to see how God might work in a situation. In this film, the only redemption offered was bluntly rejected more than once. To make matters worse, the character who offered this redemption, a Catholic priest, ran for “the dead” rather than “the living” in his final appearance on-screen. Ultimately, even he chose to comfort those for whom the chance for redemption and meaning was gone.
As you may know, I don’t often write movie reviews even though I love movies. I sometimes think “in movies.” I’ve even played various types of movie games with my family – they’re some of our favorites, but I usually keep my opinions to myself publicly. That being said, this movie prompted me to think about those for whom the movie makes sense. I don’t know who you are, but I would love to have someone explain to me the positive here, if there was one. Half of one? Show me the redemption if you can!
Any takers?
(And by that I mean, if you found yourself subjected to this film too, please share; but by all means, if you haven’t seen this one yet, save your money!)
Self-Esteem or Christ Esteem?
I see it all the time. There are countless websites, articles, magazines, news shows, TV shows, personal trainers, coaches, and on and on and on who all speak to one single topic, when you boil it all down. That topic is self-esteem. What do you think about yourself, and how can you improve that self-image?
Please don’t hear me wrong. I have a personal trainer at the gym, I coach others in homeschooling, I encourage others in ministry, I read magazines, websites, articles, etc. I understand the need to examine one’s character, one’s growth, one’s priorities, and one’s development. I encourage that in fact – regularly and often. BUT – I encourage everyone to set the standard for image in Christ, not self.
If we are only seeking to better ourselves, then we will only become really good sinners! If we are only looking to compare ourselves to other people, then the betterment that we seek will only be temporary, just until someone better than us comes along. And, if we are only seeking to be the best that we can be, then we’ve limited ourselves because God can do so much more! Why would we settle for less than the best if we are truly interested in seeking esteem?
So while I value the image and character that a person has, tremendously (because it speaks to their heart), and I would strongly encourage everyone to regularly reflect upon their image and character, let me encourage you to set the standard in Jesus. First, He will level the playing field for you – no one is any better than you! “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” – ALL. Good. That makes me feel much better, because truthfully, there are a lot of fantastic people out there who far surpass me in almost any given area.
But, look at the first part of that verse? “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” There is the Christ esteem part. Righteousness comes through Him. I can value Him, and by having faith in Jesus, I gain a righteousness that I could never achieve on my own. And do you know why? Not because I am a perfect Christian, certainly. In fact, there are countless former church goers who have left a church because they expect the people there to be perfect. They have determined that their own ‘self-image’ can’t be furthered by the sinners who surrounded them, and so they left. How sad for all when ‘self’ becomes the standard!
No the reason that I can have righteousness in Christ and therefore have “Christ-esteem” is because He esteemed me worthy of his sacrifice. He died for me and would have even if I was the only one who needed it! If He esteems and regards me and my life to be worth that much, can I get any better endorsement? From anyone? Do I really need to have my own selfendorsement, as if that was better than God’s?
I think not…
“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:22-24)
Experience or Revelation
I wish I could take credit for the original thought that inspired this reflecttion, but I can’t. I was driving across town, and happened to hear part of a radio broadcast in which I heard an unknown preacher say, “You may have had an experience with God, but you haven’t had a revelation until He reveals Himself to you.” This got me to thinking…
Many Christians stop at their salvation experience and are satisfied with that life, a “saved” life where their eternal future is secured. Now don’t get me wrong – that is an incredible offering from God, an exciting, and profound, life-changing moment, but it is only a starting point, not the end result. On the other hand, a revelation takes time. A revelation occurs when someone, in this case God, chooses to reveal Himself to another person. That’s a process, an investment of time into a relationship.
God offers that – a revelation of Himself – to each one of us. We can choose to stop at our salvation experience, but why would we? With a life that is secure, why wouldn’t we invest the time in getting to know God more fully? I can’t think of a single reason. Yes, it takes time. Yes, it takes effort, but so does every good relationship. That’s the point.
In any relationship, getting to know the other person takes place over common experiences, shared moments, conversations and encounters. What are those common experiences with God that you have had this week? Today? If that is hard to answer, then perhaps you should ask God to continue to reveal Himself to you, but don’t forget that you have a part in this relationship as well. You need to reveal yourself to God, not that He doesn’t already know you, but that in sharing your thoughts openly with Him, you can begin the two-way process of a revealing relationship with God.
“But the man who loves God is known by God.” (1 Corinthians 8:3)
