As Newsweek wrote, No Country for Old Men is a movie that is "better to be admired than liked." I wholeheartedly agree. What makes this movie great, is its honesty in regards to violence and lonely silence, which takes up most the movies time. It is most definitely a violent movie, as well as an instant classic. Its Best Picture Oscar is most assuredly deserved, as is all the criticism it has received.
The story, much as it is, revolves around three men, one of which has taken 2 million dollars from a desert drug bust that has gone wrong. This man, Llewlyn, is chased by two other men. Tommy Lee Jones plays the town sheriff, while Javier Bardim plays a stone-cold killer—"the devil incarnate" as Roger Ebert writes. This trinity of actors define the movie, despite the three actors never being in one scene together. In fact, none of the actors are in any of the scenes together, which is what makes this movie all the more amazing. It is the silence that drives these men.
Llewlyn, played by Josh Brolin, is a Texan by birth, and plays one too. He is a man that has served in Vietnam and has recently married and retired. He is easily a symbol for the way things have always been in Texas, as he is never seen without his rifle or shotgun. His beat up truck and ripped jeans are further evidence of his masculinity, as well as the way things used to be in Texas. He has the tools to survive in Texas and its harsh environment precisely because he understands the land and its traditions.
Enter Javier Bardam and his bad haircut and evil demeanor. This man, as evidenced by the first scene, is not from Texas, nor does he know the ways in which things are done. His gigantic shot gun is evidence of this, as it is completely out of place in Texas. However, none of this matters, as he can adapt and kill with ever increasing brutality. Bardam says little, but reveals a lot in his expressions—a truly magnificent acting portrayal. He represents not only evil, but fate as well. He believes in it and relishes it, as evidenced by his conversation with the local grocery clerk, and Woody Harrleson: "That's your lucky coin. It's traveled for 22 years to save your life."
Tommy Lee Jones is the Texas sheriff that must track down these two men, trying against all odds to save one, or capture the other. However, as Jones tells us, he can't understand the world anymore, although he does believe it has fallen in part due to lack of manners. Jones is very much like Llewlyn in his manners and "old ways." Much has been discussed as to what or who Jones seems to represent or symbolize in this movie. However, I believe that he represents an old Greek chorus. He reminds us of, or tells us what our conscience should be as moviegoers. He opens and closes the movie with both sadness and despair, which can best be summed up in the old DC Talk song: "What have we become?"
This movie shows what can become of a society if it is not careful with itself. If we ignore manners, we will steal, kill and destroy, all for money. If we ignore the evil that is coming towards us, pretending it cannot destroy even the smallest and most content of communities, we will be destroyed by the very evil we tried to ignore. Tommy Lee Jones sums this premise up with his final statements, which have confused many moviegoers. He says that "I just can't understand it." Jones, who is a law man, cannot understand where our society is headed, both in crime as well as "normal" societal functions. Kids ignore their parents, do what they want and lack manners, while evil continues to kill, just because it can. I can't blame Jones for feeling this way, although it does fulfill Newsweeks claims that the "movie is better to be admired than liked." Every detail and movie technique is flawless in this movie, creating the epitome of "tour de force."
Student Critic
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Tuesday, October 26, 2010
There will be Blood says it all
"There Will Be Blood" is a movie of both patient art, as well as a worthy successor to Humphrey Bogart's "Treasure of Sierra Madre." Both actors, Bogart and Day Lewis, achieve what one critic called "not art, but something beyond pedestrian." Both men, in different generations, have become so filled with their characters that they become something else entirely: "a legend beyond belief."
This movie works because Day-Lewis makes it work. His Oscar win is not only justified, but he should be given a future one for his unbelievable ability to literally become Daniel Plainview. As one critic said, "There is Daniel Day-Lewis, and then there is everyone else." I wholeheartedly agree. No actor living today is as good as Day-Lewis. However, to talk just about the acting would not do the movie justice. So, I will describe the subtle things that make this movie work. First, there is the Biblical ideas/names/themes throughout the movie that make it brilliant (Eli vs. Daniel, Oil vs. Church, Money vs. Religion. Isolation vs. Family). Second, there is almost a constant inverting (twisting in and out or complete reversing) of things that makes this movie absolutely stunning—art that is worthy of our time.
For example, when Day Lewis hauntingly says "I drink your milkshake," he is not merely boasting of his overtaking of Eli and his property, but his drinking of the very man himself, just as Day Lewis is doing through his astonishing acting ability. Day-Lewis has literally become Daniel Plainview, oil tycoon. His killing of Eli is not merely murder, but a complete stomping out of Eli and the folks/city/religion that he has had to compete with throughout the movie, making his statement all the more brilliant and terrifying. The abrupt ending is very much one of Biblical proportions, as we have one living man sitting next to a corpse. Plainview says to his butler, "Well, it's finished." This, of course, is a complete inversion to Genesis, when God is pleased with what he has created. Plainview has murdered, hated, stole and created the business of oil, and he is now finished with the very thing he created, knowing full well that "There will be blood."
While I believe that "No Country for Old Men" is the better movie, in a technical sense, this one stayed with me a lot longer. It is not nearly as violent, and has an epic feel about it. Numerous times in "No Country for Old Men" I would wonder why a man would go around killing people. However, in this movie, there is purpose: Money and the depths one man will go to have as much of it as he can possibly have. Words cannot do justice to the power that is felt and seen in this movie.
Student Critic
This movie works because Day-Lewis makes it work. His Oscar win is not only justified, but he should be given a future one for his unbelievable ability to literally become Daniel Plainview. As one critic said, "There is Daniel Day-Lewis, and then there is everyone else." I wholeheartedly agree. No actor living today is as good as Day-Lewis. However, to talk just about the acting would not do the movie justice. So, I will describe the subtle things that make this movie work. First, there is the Biblical ideas/names/themes throughout the movie that make it brilliant (Eli vs. Daniel, Oil vs. Church, Money vs. Religion. Isolation vs. Family). Second, there is almost a constant inverting (twisting in and out or complete reversing) of things that makes this movie absolutely stunning—art that is worthy of our time.
For example, when Day Lewis hauntingly says "I drink your milkshake," he is not merely boasting of his overtaking of Eli and his property, but his drinking of the very man himself, just as Day Lewis is doing through his astonishing acting ability. Day-Lewis has literally become Daniel Plainview, oil tycoon. His killing of Eli is not merely murder, but a complete stomping out of Eli and the folks/city/religion that he has had to compete with throughout the movie, making his statement all the more brilliant and terrifying. The abrupt ending is very much one of Biblical proportions, as we have one living man sitting next to a corpse. Plainview says to his butler, "Well, it's finished." This, of course, is a complete inversion to Genesis, when God is pleased with what he has created. Plainview has murdered, hated, stole and created the business of oil, and he is now finished with the very thing he created, knowing full well that "There will be blood."
While I believe that "No Country for Old Men" is the better movie, in a technical sense, this one stayed with me a lot longer. It is not nearly as violent, and has an epic feel about it. Numerous times in "No Country for Old Men" I would wonder why a man would go around killing people. However, in this movie, there is purpose: Money and the depths one man will go to have as much of it as he can possibly have. Words cannot do justice to the power that is felt and seen in this movie.
Student Critic
The greatness of "The Dark Knight"
have just returned from watching "The Dark Knight" and let me say, it is stunning. And not just in an "action-guy-oriented" way. No, no, no. This movie is stunning in its themes, characters and relisitic grasp of what it takes to survive, let alone stand up against evil. To be frank, Heath Ledger should win an Oscar. His Joker is not only good, but is scary, and in some ways, truly horrific. He is horrific because he not only embodies evil, but is unafraid to share his views with others, which is something that is difficult to discuss. When moviegoers watched "Lord of the Rings" everyone left the theatre amazed at Gollum--Andy Serkis--, but could understand how he had become truly evil: The ring corrupted him. With Ledger's Joker, there is not such explanation. This man kills because he "wants a new kind of criminal" in society, one that ""I'm gonna give the citizens of Gotham." He kills because he can, and wants to. Even knowing this, moviegoers must grapple with Batman's choice to not kill him, as the Joker will continue to kill others. The title, "The Dark Knight" literally says it all. Batman must become societies "darkness" in order to root out all evil.
The movie is also excellent at giving moviegoers numerous Biblical themes. From lying, to the Fall, every moviegoer will leave with clear symbols of Christs' sacrafice for us--taking our sin upon himself--while knowing that He did not do anything. Batman not only grapples with life's issues--much like Peter Parker did in Spider Man 2--he knows that his Batman is created in order to preserve the symbol that he created. This is what will become incorruptible, all while he himself is slowly turning into the very evil he has fought against. And yes Corban students, Batman struggles with his very identity, albeit, on a symbolic scale, not individual level.
This is a powerful movie, one that will stay with anyone many days and weeks after the viewing. How? you ask. Two reasons: The symbols and issues the movie shows society, are always with us. The other reason is very simple: Ledger embodies evil as the Joker! His performance is so great that I can think of two evil characters that surpass him: Darth Vader and Hannibal Lecter. He is truly stunning.
This movie is not for little kids, as the violence is palpable throughout. However, those who go to see it, are in for a devastating and truly fantastic movie. Drop what you are doing, and go see it NOW!
Student Critic
Andrew Madaus
The movie is also excellent at giving moviegoers numerous Biblical themes. From lying, to the Fall, every moviegoer will leave with clear symbols of Christs' sacrafice for us--taking our sin upon himself--while knowing that He did not do anything. Batman not only grapples with life's issues--much like Peter Parker did in Spider Man 2--he knows that his Batman is created in order to preserve the symbol that he created. This is what will become incorruptible, all while he himself is slowly turning into the very evil he has fought against. And yes Corban students, Batman struggles with his very identity, albeit, on a symbolic scale, not individual level.
This is a powerful movie, one that will stay with anyone many days and weeks after the viewing. How? you ask. Two reasons: The symbols and issues the movie shows society, are always with us. The other reason is very simple: Ledger embodies evil as the Joker! His performance is so great that I can think of two evil characters that surpass him: Darth Vader and Hannibal Lecter. He is truly stunning.
This movie is not for little kids, as the violence is palpable throughout. However, those who go to see it, are in for a devastating and truly fantastic movie. Drop what you are doing, and go see it NOW!
Student Critic
Andrew Madaus
Monday, July 19, 2010
You are not dreaming..."Inception" is a haunting film
For centuries, mankind has evaluated and discussed what dreams truly mean to the human race. Clichés have been created, bumper stickers followed and suicidal killers come and gone. From “Follow your dreams” to “Go for your dreams,” humanity has gone to extreme measures in order to capture and explain what dreams truly mean. However, with Chris Nolan’s masterpiece “Inception” moviegoers now have the answer to the power dreams have. A dreams power falls somewhere in between two famous quotes “Don’t let your dreams kill you” to Robin Williams famous poem in Dead Poets Society: “Only in their dreams can men be free/ Twas always thus/ And always thus will be.” Essentially, in the movie Inception dreams can destroy us because they are created by a mind that has enormous power over ones soul and we cannot separate dreams from emotions. It is our experiences that shape us, but our mind traps us in the past.
Christopher Nolan is not only the heir to Scorcesse, but he is literally on a “5 movie win streak.” From Memento, Insomnia, Batman Begins, The Prestige, and The Dark Knight, Nolan knows how to create characters we care about, and stories that make us think. In nearly all of his movies, the special effects (while excellent) are secondary to excellent acting and story. As Christian Bale said in The Prestige, “It is a man totally devoted to his art.” Inception is without a doubt, the pinnacle of a filmmaker that is continually getting better—and audiences are respecting his work by filling up seats at local theatres. Unlike the clichéd directors (Bay or Buckinheimer spring to mind), Nolan takes his time on projects (it reportedly took Nolan 10 years to write Inception) and fills them with good ideas and structure that enhance the solid special effects. While Avatar had an epic feel to it, the ideas and characters of Inception easily surpass Avatar’s special effects and naturalist worldview. Inception will have you staying up late at night, afraid to go to sleep because someone may be “out there, in your mind.” This is what The Matrix should have been.
The movie Inception follows the story of a man named Cobb, who can infiltrate anyone’s mind and steal ideas, objects, codes, etc—for the right price. Cobb continues to steal and work in the “dream world” because he wants to see his children again, who are in America, a place (land) he cannot enter because of an alleged crime and charges against him. Dicaprio not only has earned my respect as an actor, but he has increasingly gone out of his way to try different roles. While his role in Inception is eerily similar to that of his work in the great Shutter Island, no one can blame him for at least attempting (yet again), to remove himself from his Titanic boy image. And yes, he succeeds handily and with great emotion. He is not just a character, but a man audience members care about because he goes out of his way to do anything he can to get back his children. But here’s the rub: Cobb will not steal something for his next mission; no, in order to be reunited with his children, Cobb must plant an idea (a “virus” his associates claim) in his next victim—the term and title of the movie “inception.” Yes, this movie is ultimately in the genre of a “heist movie.” However, the movie deals with so many fantastic themes that I will try and explain its emotional themes, which has nothing to do with the now clichéd “Reality vs. Dreams” as “The Matrix” has beaten to death: “How do you define real?” Morpheus asks Neo in the Matrix. No, the vital theme of this brilliant movie are our ones emotions and there connections to our lives.
The idea of one’s emotions is not difficult to see in this movie. What makes Cobb’s inability to deal with the emotion he faces-- visually symbolized by his late wife—is the fact that she is in nearly every “job” he pulls off. Cobb originally created worlds with his wife, where they lived and played for years. While A.O. Scott criticized Inception, he describes Cobb’s true struggle in his review of the movie: “Cobb, whose life depends on suppressing emotions and memories that he cannot control, is thus a typical Christopher Nolan hero. His air of guilt and sorrow — the sense of unfinished psychic business pushing against his conscious intentions — marks his kinship with Christian Bale’s Batman, with the detective played by Al Pacino in “Insomnia” and with the anguished amnesiac played by Guy Pearce in ‘Memento.’ ” Yet, this is where Scott misses the point. We connect with Cobb because he cannot control the past, i.e. his memories. He cannot control the regret he feels, no matter how many memories he preserves or manipulates, thus making him a tragic figure; all audience viewers have regrets, past failures and suppressed emotions we struggle to control. We struggle, just like Cobb, with moving on in life, of letting our minds deal with things. For all of his bragging, (“I am the best extractor of information”) Cobb cannot outrun his tragic past—that he may or may not be responsible for his wife’s death. No matter how hard we try, memories from the past very rarely leave us; they come to define us and effect those around us. And when something or someone truly close to us dies or is hurt, that memory stays with us…effecting how we react to the future. Thus, this movie’s brilliance: Our dreams cannot save us, because they are the very thing that haunt so many of us. Even when we “deal with them,” there is no guarantee that things will be okay, no validation that things will go back “to the way things were,” a truly haunting message. Yet, it is a message that makes this movie brilliant, unique and haunting.
Roger Ebert writes that “movies today come from the recycling bin: sequels, remakes, franchises. Inception does a difficult thing. It is wholly original, cut from new cloth, and yet structured with action movie basics so it feels like it makes total sense.” Ebert is right, except for one small detail: This movie tries “Inception” on its audience. The movie plants the idea in us that this is in fact Nolan’s masterpiece in a young and growing career, but that we choose daily what we believe is reality—an idea that haunts all of us. Webster’s dictionary defines “inception” as “an event that is a beginning; the first part of a stage of events.” Watch this brilliant film and see the continued “stage of events” that is Christopher Nolan’s breathtaking career.
Student Critic
Christopher Nolan is not only the heir to Scorcesse, but he is literally on a “5 movie win streak.” From Memento, Insomnia, Batman Begins, The Prestige, and The Dark Knight, Nolan knows how to create characters we care about, and stories that make us think. In nearly all of his movies, the special effects (while excellent) are secondary to excellent acting and story. As Christian Bale said in The Prestige, “It is a man totally devoted to his art.” Inception is without a doubt, the pinnacle of a filmmaker that is continually getting better—and audiences are respecting his work by filling up seats at local theatres. Unlike the clichéd directors (Bay or Buckinheimer spring to mind), Nolan takes his time on projects (it reportedly took Nolan 10 years to write Inception) and fills them with good ideas and structure that enhance the solid special effects. While Avatar had an epic feel to it, the ideas and characters of Inception easily surpass Avatar’s special effects and naturalist worldview. Inception will have you staying up late at night, afraid to go to sleep because someone may be “out there, in your mind.” This is what The Matrix should have been.
The movie Inception follows the story of a man named Cobb, who can infiltrate anyone’s mind and steal ideas, objects, codes, etc—for the right price. Cobb continues to steal and work in the “dream world” because he wants to see his children again, who are in America, a place (land) he cannot enter because of an alleged crime and charges against him. Dicaprio not only has earned my respect as an actor, but he has increasingly gone out of his way to try different roles. While his role in Inception is eerily similar to that of his work in the great Shutter Island, no one can blame him for at least attempting (yet again), to remove himself from his Titanic boy image. And yes, he succeeds handily and with great emotion. He is not just a character, but a man audience members care about because he goes out of his way to do anything he can to get back his children. But here’s the rub: Cobb will not steal something for his next mission; no, in order to be reunited with his children, Cobb must plant an idea (a “virus” his associates claim) in his next victim—the term and title of the movie “inception.” Yes, this movie is ultimately in the genre of a “heist movie.” However, the movie deals with so many fantastic themes that I will try and explain its emotional themes, which has nothing to do with the now clichéd “Reality vs. Dreams” as “The Matrix” has beaten to death: “How do you define real?” Morpheus asks Neo in the Matrix. No, the vital theme of this brilliant movie are our ones emotions and there connections to our lives.
The idea of one’s emotions is not difficult to see in this movie. What makes Cobb’s inability to deal with the emotion he faces-- visually symbolized by his late wife—is the fact that she is in nearly every “job” he pulls off. Cobb originally created worlds with his wife, where they lived and played for years. While A.O. Scott criticized Inception, he describes Cobb’s true struggle in his review of the movie: “Cobb, whose life depends on suppressing emotions and memories that he cannot control, is thus a typical Christopher Nolan hero. His air of guilt and sorrow — the sense of unfinished psychic business pushing against his conscious intentions — marks his kinship with Christian Bale’s Batman, with the detective played by Al Pacino in “Insomnia” and with the anguished amnesiac played by Guy Pearce in ‘Memento.’ ” Yet, this is where Scott misses the point. We connect with Cobb because he cannot control the past, i.e. his memories. He cannot control the regret he feels, no matter how many memories he preserves or manipulates, thus making him a tragic figure; all audience viewers have regrets, past failures and suppressed emotions we struggle to control. We struggle, just like Cobb, with moving on in life, of letting our minds deal with things. For all of his bragging, (“I am the best extractor of information”) Cobb cannot outrun his tragic past—that he may or may not be responsible for his wife’s death. No matter how hard we try, memories from the past very rarely leave us; they come to define us and effect those around us. And when something or someone truly close to us dies or is hurt, that memory stays with us…effecting how we react to the future. Thus, this movie’s brilliance: Our dreams cannot save us, because they are the very thing that haunt so many of us. Even when we “deal with them,” there is no guarantee that things will be okay, no validation that things will go back “to the way things were,” a truly haunting message. Yet, it is a message that makes this movie brilliant, unique and haunting.
Roger Ebert writes that “movies today come from the recycling bin: sequels, remakes, franchises. Inception does a difficult thing. It is wholly original, cut from new cloth, and yet structured with action movie basics so it feels like it makes total sense.” Ebert is right, except for one small detail: This movie tries “Inception” on its audience. The movie plants the idea in us that this is in fact Nolan’s masterpiece in a young and growing career, but that we choose daily what we believe is reality—an idea that haunts all of us. Webster’s dictionary defines “inception” as “an event that is a beginning; the first part of a stage of events.” Watch this brilliant film and see the continued “stage of events” that is Christopher Nolan’s breathtaking career.
Student Critic
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
What are you waiting for?
Henry Blackaby wrote that "Waiting is not inactivity when prayer is involved." A profound statement indeed. Yet, when I think about this statement, it occurs to me that for most of our lives, we wait for something. Single, married, divorced, unsure or prisoner, our lives are full of waiting. Think about this...we wait to finish school (whether high school or college), before waiting to find a job that satisfies our souls--or not, as many take the first job that presents itself--and then we wait to find that special someone and get married; some reverse this process by getting married and then finding a job they enjoy. Many in today's promisicous society skip the waiting part, move in with the significant other and hope "happily ever after" is theirs for the taking. If we are married, we wait for the kids to come along, then we wait for them to grow up and have their own family. So, after all this, the obvious question is: What do we do while we wait? What exactly are we waiting for? Whether single or not, all must wait for something, and i believe that what we wait for is God's Provision and Endurance that comes only from God.
Looking throughout Scripture, men and women of God are clearly shown to be waiting. David is known as being a "man after God's own heart" and yet, he had to wait over 14 years to be king. We see him clearly writing in a near depressed and emotionally bankrupt state that one has to wonder why he continued to wait with such endurance. David should be admired for his ability to wait for God's provision, but many forget the intense times he endured. The same can be said of Moses and the 40 year desert "incident." These men of God model for us my point: Since we know we must and will wait in life, the best thing to do is embrace God's all encompassing Provision, knowing that that produces Endurance. These two elements are vital if we are to grow in the Lord, but they are also practical elements that we need to survive in life. Think about it, everyone, regardless of their belief in a higher power, must come to realize that their life is a blessing and they have the things they have because they have been blessed in life. Likewise, they must also know that the humble attitude they cultivate in regards to their life, produces an endurance to get through life...they should want to bless endure in order to bless others, as their life has been blessed.
Despite the fact that we live in an "instant" world of absorbant technology, it seems obvious to me that the more we speed up, the more our lives our put on hold, just as David's was, in order to show us our need for the Lord and His endurance. So, in closing, i must ask you, dear reader, the most obvious question: What are you waiting for?
The band Sic Puppies wrote a great song about waiting, and i urge you to listen to the lyrics, which i leave you with: "Another piece of the puzzle
That doesn't fit
You throw your arms up
You're so sick of it
What are you working for?
What are you searching for?
Love
You wont be thinking of cars when
You're on your death bed and dieing
You'll only be thinking of
What you were paying for
What you were praying for
Love
You join the line
Of the getting richer
You keep your pace
But it's moving slow
You are define by all that you are holding
But you are surprised it doesn�t fill up the hole
Thanks for reading
Andrew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bZ4jP6H2KQ&feature=related
Looking throughout Scripture, men and women of God are clearly shown to be waiting. David is known as being a "man after God's own heart" and yet, he had to wait over 14 years to be king. We see him clearly writing in a near depressed and emotionally bankrupt state that one has to wonder why he continued to wait with such endurance. David should be admired for his ability to wait for God's provision, but many forget the intense times he endured. The same can be said of Moses and the 40 year desert "incident." These men of God model for us my point: Since we know we must and will wait in life, the best thing to do is embrace God's all encompassing Provision, knowing that that produces Endurance. These two elements are vital if we are to grow in the Lord, but they are also practical elements that we need to survive in life. Think about it, everyone, regardless of their belief in a higher power, must come to realize that their life is a blessing and they have the things they have because they have been blessed in life. Likewise, they must also know that the humble attitude they cultivate in regards to their life, produces an endurance to get through life...they should want to bless endure in order to bless others, as their life has been blessed.
Despite the fact that we live in an "instant" world of absorbant technology, it seems obvious to me that the more we speed up, the more our lives our put on hold, just as David's was, in order to show us our need for the Lord and His endurance. So, in closing, i must ask you, dear reader, the most obvious question: What are you waiting for?
The band Sic Puppies wrote a great song about waiting, and i urge you to listen to the lyrics, which i leave you with: "Another piece of the puzzle
That doesn't fit
You throw your arms up
You're so sick of it
What are you working for?
What are you searching for?
Love
You wont be thinking of cars when
You're on your death bed and dieing
You'll only be thinking of
What you were paying for
What you were praying for
Love
You join the line
Of the getting richer
You keep your pace
But it's moving slow
You are define by all that you are holding
But you are surprised it doesn�t fill up the hole
Thanks for reading
Andrew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bZ4jP6H2KQ&feature=related
Thursday, May 13, 2010
If you are "Anti Nouns" you must be "Pro-verbs"
Many believe the book of Proverbs to be a well written book with quaint little sayings that can be placed into Chinese fortune cookies. That is on the surface. When the book of Proverbs is looked at in a deep way, the book becomes a powerful monologue on people, and who they choose to be; Proverbs is all about who we are becoming, or at least, the comparison of what we should be contrasted with the things that can ruin us. In society, American’s will always be known for what they possess: money, vehicles, homes, and yes, the sacred role of the family has become a material possession for some. However, what millions miss in life is the fact that the book of Proverbs is not about “cool sayings that rhyme.” No, it is a book that tries desperately to explain to those who will listen, that life, identity and humanity itself is not about possessions, but about who you chose to become, written by a man that literally had everything.
The author of Proverbs was King Solomon, David’s son, and he did in fact own or could buy anything he wanted. And what does he tell his “Son” in the book? He gives his Son a set of rules that defines who he will become if he lets “Wisdom” be the guide. What is Wisdom? Wisdom is the knowledge that penetrates the heart towards “trusting in the Lord with all ones heart.” Sadly, this is counter-imitative to what individuals feel they must do. No, we believe we have it all together, don’t need help and can find our own path because our heart will guide us. Solomon warns his “Son” that these individuals must be careful, as they are choosing a “path that will lead to death.” Solomon does not hold back, but instead warns us of all the lifestyles that we may encounter: the lazy, obese, powerful, wise, humble, poor, rich, kings, servants, bankrupt and emotionally strong. Every “genre” or cast member we encounter in life has been described in this powerful book. But again, it is not what these people are, but who they are becoming. For example, Proverbs goes into detail about marriage: “enjoying the wife of your youth” and “a wife of noble character is her husband’s crown.” However, Proverbs also talks about the nagging or contentious wife that can ruin a home. Being a husband or wife is not the issue, nor is being married Solomon’s point. No, it is who you become when married that truly matters!!!! Ladies, do not become the nagging wife; don’t let others come to know you as the wife that “constantly drips.” Instead, be known for becoming an “Excellent wife,” which few find, but are known for throughout the region (Proverbs 31:10-31). How does this take place? It comes by daily choosing to turn who you are becoming over to the Lord, your Creator and Authority for life. Likewise, men, do not become known as a “player” or “eye winker,” as Solomon writes.
Men are to be known not for their ability to pick up women, as that is folly according to chapter 7 and the fool who sought an adulterous. Instead, men should be known for their “kindness” (Proverbs 19:22) and work ethic. Men also must be the disciplinarian in their homes, as they set the spiritual tone in the home. They must have a quiet strength that few question. What is also fascinating about the traits for men in women is the fact that the book is summarized by talking about a great wife in chapter 31. However, it is interesting to note that one of the final verses is “a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Her value as an individual is not what chores she does or how she manages her finances, but is her “wisdom” which starts with a healthy fear and respect of God Almighty, which begins and ends this brilliant book (Proverbs 1:7, 31:30).
Sadly, many men and women in the Christian community are “put in a box” and stereotyped: husband/wife, 2 kids and Wednesday night church activities, missing the point. So, I will YELL it at you: You are more than that family. You are more than your spouse and their love for you. NO, you are an individual created by an Almighty, Holy God that loves you more than you will ever know. A Holy God that sent His son to die for your sins…and you must plead with God to impose that kind of Grace and Love into your soul on a daily basis if you are to become an “Excellent Woman” or a “man of wisdom.” That is who you should be and can be because Christ died for your sins, was buried and rose again on the third day.
Many parents who have struggled with children that have left the faith or disregarded the principles they were taught throughout their life turn to Proverbs 22:6. However, this is a principle, not an equation that will be fulfilled successfully every time. I would also like to add this verse to my point: Teaching kids from a young age that they are more than the sports they like, the kids they hang out with, the grades they get in school and the recess games they like, will go extremely far in helping them understand that their value as a human being begins and ends with them knowing, “Christ died for your sins, was buried and rose again.” That is where their value, as well as ours, should lie.
These can be difficult things to teach because to be “Pro-verbs” implies that we are active for the actions that we teach. Why not be active in teaching all the greatest verb was Christ dying for our sins!?!
The author of Proverbs was King Solomon, David’s son, and he did in fact own or could buy anything he wanted. And what does he tell his “Son” in the book? He gives his Son a set of rules that defines who he will become if he lets “Wisdom” be the guide. What is Wisdom? Wisdom is the knowledge that penetrates the heart towards “trusting in the Lord with all ones heart.” Sadly, this is counter-imitative to what individuals feel they must do. No, we believe we have it all together, don’t need help and can find our own path because our heart will guide us. Solomon warns his “Son” that these individuals must be careful, as they are choosing a “path that will lead to death.” Solomon does not hold back, but instead warns us of all the lifestyles that we may encounter: the lazy, obese, powerful, wise, humble, poor, rich, kings, servants, bankrupt and emotionally strong. Every “genre” or cast member we encounter in life has been described in this powerful book. But again, it is not what these people are, but who they are becoming. For example, Proverbs goes into detail about marriage: “enjoying the wife of your youth” and “a wife of noble character is her husband’s crown.” However, Proverbs also talks about the nagging or contentious wife that can ruin a home. Being a husband or wife is not the issue, nor is being married Solomon’s point. No, it is who you become when married that truly matters!!!! Ladies, do not become the nagging wife; don’t let others come to know you as the wife that “constantly drips.” Instead, be known for becoming an “Excellent wife,” which few find, but are known for throughout the region (Proverbs 31:10-31). How does this take place? It comes by daily choosing to turn who you are becoming over to the Lord, your Creator and Authority for life. Likewise, men, do not become known as a “player” or “eye winker,” as Solomon writes.
Men are to be known not for their ability to pick up women, as that is folly according to chapter 7 and the fool who sought an adulterous. Instead, men should be known for their “kindness” (Proverbs 19:22) and work ethic. Men also must be the disciplinarian in their homes, as they set the spiritual tone in the home. They must have a quiet strength that few question. What is also fascinating about the traits for men in women is the fact that the book is summarized by talking about a great wife in chapter 31. However, it is interesting to note that one of the final verses is “a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Her value as an individual is not what chores she does or how she manages her finances, but is her “wisdom” which starts with a healthy fear and respect of God Almighty, which begins and ends this brilliant book (Proverbs 1:7, 31:30).
Sadly, many men and women in the Christian community are “put in a box” and stereotyped: husband/wife, 2 kids and Wednesday night church activities, missing the point. So, I will YELL it at you: You are more than that family. You are more than your spouse and their love for you. NO, you are an individual created by an Almighty, Holy God that loves you more than you will ever know. A Holy God that sent His son to die for your sins…and you must plead with God to impose that kind of Grace and Love into your soul on a daily basis if you are to become an “Excellent Woman” or a “man of wisdom.” That is who you should be and can be because Christ died for your sins, was buried and rose again on the third day.
Many parents who have struggled with children that have left the faith or disregarded the principles they were taught throughout their life turn to Proverbs 22:6. However, this is a principle, not an equation that will be fulfilled successfully every time. I would also like to add this verse to my point: Teaching kids from a young age that they are more than the sports they like, the kids they hang out with, the grades they get in school and the recess games they like, will go extremely far in helping them understand that their value as a human being begins and ends with them knowing, “Christ died for your sins, was buried and rose again.” That is where their value, as well as ours, should lie.
These can be difficult things to teach because to be “Pro-verbs” implies that we are active for the actions that we teach. Why not be active in teaching all the greatest verb was Christ dying for our sins!?!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Man up! Where’s the Testosterone?
The book of Judges offers people so much knowledge and cool stories that one would be hard pressed to find as much excitement in a children’s book. Swords being swallowed by fat stomachs, women killing generals with tent pegs and regular soap opera romances revolving around long hair and testosterone. This book is not lacking in the battles, fights, romance, “drama” and the testosterone department. The term “Man Up” would be an understatement.
As fascinating as this book is, what truly separates it from the other books of the bible is its honesty in telling us God’s Will. For centuries, many have asked “What should I do with my life?” and the book of Judges is very clear about answering that very question. In fact, the characters and nations involved in this book frequently ask the same question every time something doesn’t go their way. The answer is easy: God’s will is to follow His word and have a relationship with Him! It doesn’t get much easier than that. Sorry all you Staples “Easy Button” fans out there, but it is that simple. Do what God says. However, throughout the book, we read that “each man did as he thought best.” This statement is not only the pinnacle for the current trend in our 21st century colleges, but it represents Postmodernism at its most pure form: You do what you want, I do what I want, just don’t bother me or get in my way. Not only are American kids being taught this “religion,” but we can see that while people get to do whatever they want, they are either less satisfied or unsure of what to make of their life. What further elevates Judges and its importance is the fact that the more people do what they want, the worst the situation of their nation becomes. The only thing that saves them is “crying out to God.” Interesting. God’s will is not only explicit, but when we cry out to Him, answers become clear, solutions are given, and most importantly, consequences must be faced head on—with testosterone! God frequently gives explicit answers to the nation of Israel and the servants and judges of them. Leaders such as Barek, Gideon, Samson and Deborah all had literal messages from God. Most importantly, people (the judges, average citizens and enemies of Israel) KNOW where they should be in life…there is no guessing or acceptance of sin: Life becomes a little more clear and meaningful. So, next time you read about a man chopping up a woman and sending it to all the nations, remember that God’s Will for our life is very simple: Follow His Word and be ready to MAN UP when He responds. It must be a spiritual conviction, dear reader, if we are to avoid a “life of quiet desperation.”
As fascinating as this book is, what truly separates it from the other books of the bible is its honesty in telling us God’s Will. For centuries, many have asked “What should I do with my life?” and the book of Judges is very clear about answering that very question. In fact, the characters and nations involved in this book frequently ask the same question every time something doesn’t go their way. The answer is easy: God’s will is to follow His word and have a relationship with Him! It doesn’t get much easier than that. Sorry all you Staples “Easy Button” fans out there, but it is that simple. Do what God says. However, throughout the book, we read that “each man did as he thought best.” This statement is not only the pinnacle for the current trend in our 21st century colleges, but it represents Postmodernism at its most pure form: You do what you want, I do what I want, just don’t bother me or get in my way. Not only are American kids being taught this “religion,” but we can see that while people get to do whatever they want, they are either less satisfied or unsure of what to make of their life. What further elevates Judges and its importance is the fact that the more people do what they want, the worst the situation of their nation becomes. The only thing that saves them is “crying out to God.” Interesting. God’s will is not only explicit, but when we cry out to Him, answers become clear, solutions are given, and most importantly, consequences must be faced head on—with testosterone! God frequently gives explicit answers to the nation of Israel and the servants and judges of them. Leaders such as Barek, Gideon, Samson and Deborah all had literal messages from God. Most importantly, people (the judges, average citizens and enemies of Israel) KNOW where they should be in life…there is no guessing or acceptance of sin: Life becomes a little more clear and meaningful. So, next time you read about a man chopping up a woman and sending it to all the nations, remember that God’s Will for our life is very simple: Follow His Word and be ready to MAN UP when He responds. It must be a spiritual conviction, dear reader, if we are to avoid a “life of quiet desperation.”
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