Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Honor Begins at Home

I have something to say about the movie Courageous produced by
the Kendrick brothers.

In this story, these fathers have a tough career, but that's nothing compared to being the Godly, 
spiritual leaders of their homes that they need to be.  

It's a good, true-to-life picture of fathers who need to pursue their children's hearts and standing 
firm for God's Word, even when others may mock them.

Standing firm for Christ does take courage, and it also takes incredible sacrifice to keep priorities in
order.  I also appreciate in this movie how these partners worked to keep each other accountable.  And 
it wasn't always easy for them to do the right thing, especially when it involved possible ridicule. Plus,
helping each other address sin in their lives and pointing them to the Word about what God says regarding it.
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17)

Adam Mitchell (Alex Kendrick) had to see his true heart and  where his priorities were. "He becomes
poor that deals with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent makes rich." (Proverbs 10:4)  And 
when God showed him his true colors, he knew he couldn't leave it there. "Search me, O God, and 
know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and
lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:24 
Then, he had to make life-alterating decisions. "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath,
but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4) 
"Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." (Colossians 3:21)

Once, he started studying what the Bible says about fatherhood, it was his answer for 
what to do to win his child's heart. "...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,...
But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 22: 15)

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage;do not be afraid nor be
dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

"Therefore, you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind 
them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall
teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you 
walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on 
the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 11: 18-20)

I'm thankful to God for inspiring Sherwood Baptist Church to make this movie that so many 
families, especially men need to hear.  There's just one thing. Watching this movie isn't the answer
to living a Godly life, but seeking the Lord and being in His Word is! But I'm still thankful for 
this movie and hope God continues to use it for His honor and glory!



"He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the 
children to their fathers." Malachi 4:6

2 comments:

  1. I bought this movie after it was released on blueray and watched it. I really enjoyed it and you have written a wonderful review of it. It is exceedingly delightful that Christian movies are becoming more common and I so wish that more Christians would watch them, yet so many are still against any form on TV/movie entertainment. They are missing out on a great family movie and good discussion afterwards.

    Blessings, Mrs. Mari

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  2. Different people have different convictions. If some people don't feel comfortable or peaceful about watching things, that's fine.
    We were very blessed by the movie, and I hope it bears so much fruit for God's kingdom! May God continue to bless and guide Sherwood Baptist Church, and that they seek Him in every step.

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