The other day I watched an old black-and-white movie called "The Hatchet Man" with Edgar G. Robinson and Loretta Young. To my surprise, it was entertaining in an antique sort of way. So, today, when I sat down to select a topic for today's post, I was drawn to this 50's Sci-fi classic. Its funny how many things we see today are based on previous events or ideas. This is readily apparent as we see movies be remade again and like Mutiny on the Bounty. I can think of at least three iterations of that classic!!! But, thinking of the past can be a good thing, as this passage from the book of Romans will illustrate...
Romans, Chapter 15
1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, to be building him up. 3 For even Christ didn’t please himself. But, as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through patience and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and of encouragement grant you to be of the same mind one with another according to Christ Jesus, 6 that with one accord you may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The strong are to be understanding and the weak are to learn; concepts that are as true today as throughout all history. The very best example of this is Jesus; he put up with a lot for those who would never fully understand, nor could they. Likewise, all of the Old Testament, with its strange customs and very fallible people can teach us a lot. A lot about our tendency to sin and the consequences of our transgressions. So, learn and grow and as you do, your old self will someday become so foreign as to seem like a 1930's black and white movie. But who knows- even that might be useful to someone- someday!!! Oh, yes-- be sure to play the video, I enjoyed it a lot and I hope you will as well!!!