“Why did we have to live here in…this measly, crummy old town?”
—George Bailey
It really doesn’t matter where you and I live, because each location [country, state, community] on this fallen earth comes with its own issues created by sin. No place is exempt from troubles or lawlessness [rebellion against God’s authority]. I was having a great conversation several days ago with a family I dearly love about the place they now live after moving from Florida. Although, I am so grateful they are enjoying their new location, as I was listening to how this place is, “great…a place with a healthy rhythm for life,” my soul momentarily paused when I heard it. Why? Because Scripture reminds us the only place that is free from the existence and effects of sin is heaven.
Jesus teaches his disciples about how the world hates believers and offers no place or location on earth to experience lasting peace. Peace must come bubbling up from within and held onto in the midst of challenges. Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The Light of Christ will always seek to triumph over the darkness of evil that rules this fallen world. We cannot relocate ourselves from the spiritual darkness of this world, we must take a stand and overcome it in Jesus’ name.
In our lesson from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” today, George wants to escape the darkness of Bedford Falls. Keep in mind, the picture the movie depicts in 1946, is much bigger than that tiny town and what it suffers. The country has been facing an agonizing economic depression. The world has been devastated by the effects of WWII. Life is hard everywhere, because evil fights to rule hearts…and diminish righteousness in the world.
George Bailey has faced years of struggle in order to rescue the perishing. He saves his brother from drowning, a child from being poisoned, he faces the sudden death of his father which leaves him to fight for the Bailey Building and Loan Company, he takes the blame for a shortage of money to protect Uncle Billy…the list goes on and on. George is weary in doing good when he shouts, “Why did we have to live here…in this measly, crummy old town?” (Gal 6:9).
None of these things George faces are about a location, they are events in life that are out of human control, but not out of God’s power to redeem. It’s not about the “crummy old town,” it’s about whether or not we are willing to stay planted and grounded as missionaries to be the Light in the darkness, share God’s Love in the midst of selfishness, and be peacemakers in the chaos, because Jesus wants to save the world. Heaven is our home and while on earth heaven lives in our hearts ruled by the Prince of peace. Jesus said, “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark (John 12:46). We become the spiritual Light of Truth in our families, towns, countries…because Jesus came to save the world not judge it (John 3:16-17).
Living against the raging flood waters of cultural darkness, is not easy. It takes great courage and endurance to be a disciple and reflection of the Light of the World. This is the commission of Christ; to be the Light and make more disciples led by the Truth as we influence and lead those blinded by unbelief out of the pit of darkness (Mat 28:19-20).
Like George, we need a new view of life. This is not a gloomy lesson nor is it worthy of trying to escape. God’s sons and daughters have a privilege of sharing in the salvation of the world; we are partners with Christ and partakers of what brings glory to the Father. So, let’s pick up our courage and join the Savior in his mission to take back what the enemy [evil] stole.
OT Reading: Joshua 1:9 VOICE “This is My command: be strong and courageous. Never be afraid or discouraged because I am your God, the Eternal One, and I will remain with you wherever you go.”
NT Reading: John 10:10 VOICE “The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with joy and abundance.”
Prayer: Lord, we know we cannot physically escape this fallen world, so we run to take refuge in you. As disciples, we ask you to help us overcome evil with good through transformed lives. You have not chosen to take us out of the world, so please help us be overcomers. Empower us to live godly lives, Holy Spirit, so we can contribute to the work of your Kingdom. Make us pillars of righteousness, peace, and joy in Jesus’ name. Amen.