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