Don’t Judge The Movie By The Clip

Genesis 50:20

Have you ever been disappointed by a movie that didn’t measure up to the trailer, the previews…the clips?  You can’t judge a book by its cover.  Can’t judge a movie by the clip.  You can’t judge a person by one day, one event, one action, one thing they said or did.  

But we do…

We have a hard time giving someone a second chance.  We judge too harshly based on a one-time, one-day, sometimes even a one-second act, word, or deed.  I’ve been judged like that.  And I have judged others like that.  One of the good things about growing older is you can judge others less harshly and less quickly because you have been around long enough to know the person is better than what happened on that one day…that one week…even that one year.  We know their track record – and we know them to be better than the “clip.”

I have said things I shouldn’t have said.  Done things I shouldn’t have done.  I have been too prideful, too unconcerned about anyone but myself.  I not only find it hard to forgive others…I find it hard to forgive myself.  I wish, on some days, I could have a do-over.  I have too many “clips” I want to erase. 

Joseph was at one time left in a pit to die.  He was also sold into slavery.  He was also a common prisoner.  But don’t judge him by those clips.  God had a greater purpose in mind.  Genesis 50:20 teaches us that God often uses bad for good.  God can take all your clips, the good and the bad, and make a movie of your life. And in the end, it won’t be so hard to watch.  Joseph’s life is easy to watch because we know how the movie ends.  God has a perfect ending in store for you.  Trust him.

People are more than “clips.”  And, God’s grace is sufficient.  M

I'm Surprised

Romans 7:15 (NAS)

“For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.”  The greatest Christian who ever lived said that.  The Apostle Paul…he didn’t understand his struggle.  And there are days when I don’t understand mine.  In fact, sometimes I surprise myself at how selfish, sinful, and immature I am.  I have been a Christian for thirty-three years.  There are days when I think to myself, “You should be further along than you are now…”  Maybe Paul struggled with that too.

Before Peter was sifted like wheat, Jesus said to him, “I have prayed for you that your faith does not fail.”  Peter’s faith may not have failed, but he did.  He denied knowing the Lord three times.  Paul struggled and Peter failed.  In a weird kind of way they encourage me by their shortcomings.  It helps me knowing that two of the greatest men of God to ever live stumbled.

But today I am thinking about me.  I am too selfish, too impatient, too unforgiving, and too prideful, just to mention a few.  Honestly, I surprise myself at how I struggle at times...and how often I fail.   

My favorite Bluegrass singer, Ricky Skaggs, sang, “Savior save me from myself…”  That’s my prayer today.  As long as I live I will probably continue to be surprised at the lack of progress I am making in becoming the person God wants me to be.  But I will also continue to be surprised by God’s grace that is greater than my sin.  M

Life Is Short

James 4:14

By now everyone is familiar with the name Ashley Madison, her list, and her slogan…. “Life is short – Have an affair.”  How stupid.

Having been a pastor and counseled with folks who were reeling from the effects of an affair I can tell you, the results of unfaithfulness are heart breaking, devastating, gut wrenching, causing those who are betrayed to feel worthless.  And eventually the betrayer to feel just as ruined.  While I’d like to rant about Ashley Madison for a page or two I will resist the temptation and tell you a brighter side of the story.

Why not, “Life is short – Grow old with the one you married.”  Grow old and experience forty, fifty, and maybe even sixty years together as husband and wife.  Years of joy and heartache…good times and bad times…laughter and tears…enjoying kids and grandkids…vacations and holidays…family gatherings…holding hands and holding one another through thick and thin.  In sickness and health.  On dark days and sunny days.  Staying when you feel like leaving.   

And one day when you’ve grown old together and inevitably death calls one of you away – you’ll look back at the brevity of life and be thankful you grew old with the one you married.  You’ll be glad you were faithful.

Besides…you don’t even know how much time you have left.  Your life is a vapor.  The pastor who shook your hand this past Sunday could preach your funeral in two days.  The flowers delivered to the florist today could rest on your grave before the weekend.  Life is short – Don’t do something stupid.  You may not have to live with it, but your family will. 

Life is short.  Love God.  Love the one you married.   M