“So, I suppose I should give the money to miserable failures like you and that idiot brother of yours to spend for me.”
—Mr. Potter
We have all experienced the hate-driven and demeaning criticism of others. It stings and can linger in us as a revolving memory. Some people just cannot put themselves in your shoes, recognize what they know about you is incomplete, or choose to believe the best (1 Cor. 13:7). Only God knows the heart (Luke 16:15). If you sit quietly for a moment and ponder your experience with criticism, you will more than likely be able to articulate verbatim the mean-spirited comments made to you by another person who has decided to hate you without actually knowing you or your heart. God never created us to sling hate or receive it; that is the work of evil in human flesh. So, consider the source.
In our lesson today from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we consider the verbal comments of Mr. Potter—a man on a quest for power who wants to own the town people of Bedford Falls. The only time Potter seems to be able to say something nice is when he is slithering upon the ground of manipulation to take advantage of another person. Otherwise, he demeans everyone else in order to exalt himself. He is driven by pride.
The Bailey family gets the bulk of Potter’s criticism, because they are idealists who value principles and live them. The star idealist in the movie is George—an optimist who believes the best of others and works to make things better for the whole. Therefore, Potter views George and all idealists as ‘impractical idiots.’
Honestly, the difference between Potter and George Bailey that places them at odds comes down to what they value. Potter values pride, power, prestige, and possessions—which he temporarily has achieved—and thinks that makes him the most successful man in town. The Bailey’s humbly value people, love, compassion, empathy, and kindness. Their goals for life and how they treat people are extremely different.
As we think about these two goals for life and follow the thread to the end of the story, it is George who is honored “as the richest man in town” not Potter. Our lives can mirror only one of these goals. When people put self-centered ego on the throne, they eventually fall and become bitter because they have built their lives on shifting and unstable sand (Mat 7:24-27). However, when holy love builds a life there is no end to the grace that abounds or the number of people who are gathered into their “family.”
Critical and condemning people are miserable people to be around. Believers will always run into them, because God loves them and wants to reveal to them a better way to live. We cannot allow evil to define us. So, at the end of the movie, when George sees himself accurately and begins to love his life, he stands outside of Potter’s business window and wishes him a Merry Christmas. He forgives Potter, but he is going to remain George. So, pray for your critics, forgive them, and keep treating people the way Jesus treats you!
OT Reading: Proverbs 21:21 NLT “Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.”
NT Reading: Matthew 7:12 NLT “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.”
Application: James 4:6 VOICE: “You may think that the situation is hopeless, but God gives us more grace when we turn away from our own interests. That’s why Scripture says, ‘God opposes the proud, but He pours out grace on the humble.’”
Prayer: Lord, please give us the wisdom to know when criticism is due and when it is built on destruction. Without you, human beings can have a skewed vision of life and what is meaningful. Believers must cling to the truth of who we are becoming in Christ and choose to pursue and live righteous in an unrighteous world. Father, you have promised to bring good things to those who live in Christ, so we are building our hope upon your Word. Let ungodly criticism roll off our backs and find no place to rest. We call for grace, today! In Jesus’ name. Amen.