The other night my son and I saw a science fiction movie starring
one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. We went to a late showing, and I noticed that
most of the theater audience were young men
It
was really a good movie, filled with mind-boggling special
effects, stunning vistas of a future earth, and whiplash plot twists.
But without question what made the film work was the star's heroism,
athleticism, and believability.
Most
of the young men in the audience would probably love to
trade places with this guy. He is handsome, poised, does most of his own
stunts, and has more money than the king of a small country. In his
movies he is loved by gorgeous women, and in his real life he seems to
be surrounded with stunning young females. I suppose it’s no wonder that
many men think they would
prefer his life over their own.
I
reflected on all that as the IMAX sound system blew back
what’s left of my hair. While I really enjoyed the movie, I wouldn't
trade the movie star's life for the one I've been living all these
years.
Despite
his toned muscles and killer smile, the star will grow old and die. His
money won't save him, and the legacy of being a movie star won't matter
in the end. None of his relationships with beautiful women has gone the
distance. He may die alone. Saddest of all, he is a committed member of
a cult religion.
The
things that are most admirable about him are ego-driven,
self-gratifying, and
pride-inflating. Jesus told a parable about a guy like him, who seemed
to have it all, and then one day God demanded his soul. And the divine
assessment of the man was abrupt and final: You fool! (see Luke 12:16-21). What does that say about those who wished his life could be theirs?
For
me, a two-hour movie is entertainment. But the best thing is, I get to
go back to my real life. Because the Person I really admire has already
traded His life for
mine. The life He gave me lasts forever, and so do the the relationships
and the riches.
