It's A Wonderful Life--in March!?

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE….IN MARCH?!

Christmas is my favorite time of year! There’s always so much to do, so many happy events to attend! And Most Importantly, it’s a time to celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to earth as a Baby : “God with us!”

                But now we are stuck in the doldrums of March. Hoping, praying that the few warms days that tease us will become regular soon! So why am I writing now about one of the best movies ever: “It’ s a Wonderful Life?”  “You’re either way too late, Pastor Dan, or you are incredibly early!” Actually, neither!  There are some movies, and some truths, that are timeless. They matter in every season. Below are 4 Key Take-Aways from this Beloved Classic:

1)      NEVER FORGET how valuable you are to God and others.  George Bailey felt he had lost everything. He didn’t know where to turn for help. In one touching scene at a local bar, he cried out to God and said, “Heavenly Father, I’m at the end of my rope. Show me the way.” In answer to that prayer, the Lord sent him the Angel Clarence. His life began to change from that moment on. George came to believe that he mattered to God: And so do you! Jesus once said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? Not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Do not fear, therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29,31)

2)      ALWAYS REMEMBER the wonderful blessings of a supportive spouse and true friends. Many times throughout this movie, George is spared by the quick thinking of his beloved Mary. The Bible says, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing.”  (Proverbs 18:22). This has come home powerfully to me these past 2 weeks as I have struggled mightily with a stubborn, nasty flu. Without my beloved Misty, I honestly don’t know how I would have made it! Never incorrectly assume the loved ones God has placed into your life are there by accident. He designed you to fit into your family. It is not flawless, but it’s worth every effort to keep on loving those people!

3)      BE ASSURED: Good Will Always Ultimately Triumph over Evil. As this movie unfolds, Mr. Potter often seems to have the upper hand. His cunning manipulations of the townspeople and circumstances of Bedford Falls makes it appear he will force them to do his will. It especially seems unfair as he casts doubts upon the honesty and motives of George Bailey. It’s an important reminder that there will always be bullies. Sometimes (as in the case of Iran), it takes decades for the evil to be fully exposed and for a hero to rise up to face tyranny. It can seem that way in our personal lives, too. But your story isn’t over yet. Our Hope comes in

Revelation 21:2-3: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”   

God is at Work. Do Not Lose Heart!

4)      BELIEVE YOUR LITTLE DEEDS MATTER. George Bailey made good decisions daily about how to treat others with dignity, acting with integrity in business and personal matters, being unselfish, making sacrifices. It took the entire movie, but at the unforgettable climax, we see a parade of friends and family offering overwhelming support to their beloved George. He had made an impact beyond anything he could have ever imagined, just by doing the right thing daily. What you do makes a difference. You may not see it now. You may not even see it soon. But you will never be sorry you did the right thing.

The Bible says that One Day we will all appear before God for our own “Life Review”. “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books….And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:12, 15)

God is looking at our hearts and evaluating our actions. But the final decision of His approval is not based upon our good deeds: but rather upon whether we have committed our lives to Jesus Christ as our Savior. This is the ONLY WAY to make sure your name is in the all-important Book of Life.

    So, Yes, it is March. And Yes, it is a Wonderful Life. You are valuable to God and others.

If you have a spouse and family, be thankful! You are very blessed! God will Triumph over Evil. Your Little Deeds Make a Difference. And God is involved with you. He is evaluating your Life Daily. Make a Decision to Get to Know Him Personally through His Son Jesus Christ.

You will NEVER REGRET having that Relationship!