It IS A Wonderful Life
October 8th, 2007In the 1946 movie, It’s A Wonderful Life, George Bailey’s nemesis, Mr. Potter tells him, You are worth more dead than alive. George contemplates suicide only to be rescued by Clarence, the angel in training. It turns out to be a heart-warming show that makes a strong point.
Think back to Samson for a moment. We remember him as the strong man of the Bible. It is doubtful that he had great abs or biceps. His strength came from the Lord and was represented in his hair (Judges 14:6; Judges 13:25). While he was faithful to God, Samson possessed great ability. When he faltered he was a liability.
I imagine that when Samson had the opportunity to use his superhuman strength, he had some choices. He could have used his strength for personal, self-indulgent purposes. He could have used his strength to be acclaimed as a “hero.” He could have used his strength to be a “saint” and honor God.
We remember, though his bad choices. We remember his self-centeredness. We remember his disastrous encounter with Delilah. In the end, Samson killed more of God’s enemies in his death than in his life (Judges 16:30). He seemed to be worth more in death than life.
But wait, the same is true of me! Jesus tells us some paradoxical things — if you want to save your life, you have to lose it. If we are to follow him, we deny our selves, take up our cross daily, and follow. Paul said he had died to self in Galatians 2:20. As long as I try to preserve my life, I am bound to lose it. When I am willing to give up my self-centered ways and lay down my life, I am preserved — in Christ. Apparently, I am worth more in my death than in my life.
Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene
