A Christmas Movie with a Message

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    If you have ever seen “It’s a Wonderful Life” you will recall that the main character, George, had every intent on leaving town to pursue his career path.  Without giving away too much of the movie for those of you who, perish the thought, have not seen it yet, situations beyond his control prevent that from happening. Much to his chagrin George chooses to remain in town to help preserve the town’s heritage, provide assistance to those in need, stave off a greedy competitor, take care of his young family, all the while painfully watching others leave to pursue their dreams.  Before this movie ends George is hit with a wallop of disappointments before realizing the immeasurable value of his presence in his town.

     To all the Georges out there, you may not want to go and be with Christ right now, but you certainly want to leave or have already left us. Here’s the thing, we want you to realize the immeasurable value of your presence with us without you having to enter an alternate reality to find out these things from an angel.

     Here’s what we know: We both possess something that each other needs-and that is how God intended for the body of Christ to work. Each member of the body supplies what the body needs (Ephesians 4:16). The spiritual growth lessons of patience, humility, sacrifice, steadfastness, courage, self-control, godliness is what we learn from one another and leaving delays these lessons in spiritual growth. So yes! As the Apostle Paul says, you remaining with us is more needful for us.  For reasons already stated, it is also beneficial to you.  1 Peter 1:4-9  states, “though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,”  This type of spiritual growth/lesson where one can claim that, "It's a Wonderful Life" can only be found in the crucible of life’s tests and trials that God has tailormade for you to grow into the image of Jesus. To leave now is not lessons averted, but lessons delayed.  

Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, please move on the hearts of your people. You have loved us with an everlasting love and with loving kindness have You drawn us. You did that! You initiated that contact with us by Your grace and tender mercies. Jesus, we have been careful to train up our children in the way they should go. We have purposed to help them study to show themselves approved by God. Forgive us Lord when we slackened their reigns and permitted a little leaven here and there. We commit these children, young and old, into Your hands. Now Jesus, please help our children, old and young, to see themselves in the light of You; see the spiritual condition of their hearts; see their position and their value in the body of Christ. For the ones who have left, please bring them back with hearts and minds like the prodigal who returned. For the ones who chose to stay, help us Lord to come alongside to engage and encourage and speak according to the scriptures.  Please Holy Spirit continue to place a hedge of protection around them, speak to their hearts according to where their Spirit is lacking or needs to be fortified, show them the great and mighty things they have yet to see in God’s Word, provoke their hearts to confess their sins and worship their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We praise You, we love You and we thank You, Jesus! It is in Your matchless Name we pray, Amen.
Paula Smith