Seeking God on Thursday
I’m going to put the big bald birdies on hold for a day because John Wayne’s birthday was yesterday. I idolized him as a kid, attempted to master his walk and voice as a teen, referenced his movies and quotes as illustrations when I taught and preached, mourned his death in 1979, and now have an extensive library of his films. He is still one of Hollywood’s biggest icons of in your face toughness and I’m still a big fan. In his final movie, The Shootist, he portrays an aged gunfighter who’s dying of cancer. Ironically, during the shooting of the film, the Duke was in a real life battle with the “big C” that eventually took his life. There is a memorable line in the movie that could characterize much of John Wayne’s life. ”I won’t be wronged, I won’t be insulted, and I won’t be laid a hand on. I don’t do these things to other people and I expect the same from them”. Nice sentiment. It’s reminiscent of what is often called the “Golden Rule” which says, ” So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Unfortunately, what Jesus had in mind and the way many interpret this teaching are miles apart. Jesus’ ministry clearly communicated an unconditional doing for others in every aspect of life while our American culture puts a provisional spin to it. “I’ll do for you but not until you do for me first”. Do you attach strings to your kindness and caring? Are you waiting for people to treat you fairly before you reciprocate? You may be waiting a long time, Pilgrim.
“Never look for justice in this world, but never cease to give it.” (Oswald Chambers)
“…whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant…just as the Son of Man (Jesus) did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Matthew 20:26, 27)