2.08.2005

Because of Winn-Dixie

I got the opportunity tonight to take in a new movie called "Because of Winn-Dixie" at a special pre-view showing sponsored by CBN.com.

I must say... I enjoyed the experience.

A few quick thoughts:

1. Failure of Pastors- This movie was honest in its look at Pastors (mainly from previous generations). We (ancestors of the ministry) in many ways have been amazing and used by God in great ways but we must be honest and admit that in many situations the Pastor's families have taken a hit for the sake of the congregation. We have to admit that Pastors are afraid to admit their own shortcomings because of what others would say. Pastors of the past have lived in slums because they consider being poor materially equality with being abundantly rich spiritually so as to show their poverty like a badge of honor. By doing this they let their families scrape along as they chase grandures of spiritual depth in the eyes of a few men. We shouldn't seek limelight to shine in our glory and we shouldn't seek poverty as a means to the same end.

2. A great quote from the movie-- "He doesn't howl any more because he's not lonely."- We howl when we're lonely. We're all lonely inside to some degree. We have a burning desire to be completley known. So often when people howl through their actions and we in the church howl back trying to get them to shut-up. We cannot do this.

3. We all need friends. In the ministry especially we can try and pretend we can make it alone. We can hide behind titles or prestige or the afore mentioned poverty. We can do all of these things and lack intimacy with other people and intimacy with our creator. One lesson this movie points out (sometimes subtlely and sometimes not so) is that we are better when we're surrounded. I think scripture has a few things to say about this...


WRAPPING UP:
See the movie. It was worth the time and the cash. Your kids will enjoy it and mom and dad can learn a few things too. If you do see it, email me and tell me what you thought.

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