Watching the various reactions to “Man of Steel” only seem to confirm my assertion that many people have lost the ability to enjoy entertainment. I see so many people who seek perfection in everyone and everything else–thinking themselves to be perfect. It is as if these people are unable to see to that they are actually highly-flawed human beings. That is the irony of the human condition.
I’m not going to post “Man of Steel” spoilers here, but suffice it to say that some of the reviews have been the emo-equivalent of Jeremiah’s Book of Lamentations. Over a movie. A. Movie.
Breaking News: Movies are entertainment. Throughout the years, people have flocked to the cinema to get a few hours of relief from life’s struggles; be it a war, economic woes, or a bad home life. It was all-American escapist fun. Period. For the life of me, I cannot figure out when people started looking to the entertainment industry to teach them life’s truths. If you want life lessons, pick up a Bible. Superman is not a role model for life–he is a fictitious character like Captain Crunch or SpongeBob SquarePants. Do we look to these fictitious characters to teach us morality? Whether you like it or not, Superman is not a real person, and he is not coming to philosophize or save you. If you are looking to Hollywood to base your morality, thoughts, desires, etc. upon, then I hate to say it, but you are on the wrong road. Hollywood exists to provide us with entertainment. That is their job, and they do it extremely well. But they also have their own agenda: an agenda that often undermines and contradicts biblical truths. As such, we should pray for discernment in deciding what we will and won’t watch, listen to, and read. Personally, I have come to believe Evangelist Leonard Ravenhill rightly said, “Entertainment is the devil’s substitute for joy; the less joy of the Lord you have the more entertainment you need.”
Many people (including some self-proclaimed Christians) have a strong aversion to the words “repentance,” “sinner,” and “sacrifice.” Why? Because God’s Word points out the imperfections in us and our world which, if true, demand our immediate attention. So what do they do? Avoid and ignore. Many “follow their own desires and… look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. (2 Timothy 4:3).” In the case of many, they bury themselves in games, social media, sporting events, self-help gurus–any distraction that keeps them from honest introspection. Because, if they were to pick up a Bible, they would see themselves as they truly are: sinners in desperate need of a Savior. If they were to look inwardly, they are afraid they would find cynical, dispirited, lost souls pleadingly crying out for something better. Something perfect.
The truth is that we all seek perfection. But perfection is simply not to be found in this world. C.S. Lewis said, “If I discover within myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” This world is fallen, and the only One who can save us is the real Superman. His name is Jesus Christ, and He can be found in any Bible. While your life will not become instantly perfect after submitting to our Lord, we know that one day we will be perfect. The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:10 and 12 that, “when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.” And when will this happen? “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.” When we see our Savior face to face, we will be perfect! Glory to God! Stop seeking perfection in this world, because it simply doesn’t exist. Instead, acknowledge and repent of your sins, stop repeating your sins, and follow Christ. In His glory we find perfection, and one day we will be as He is: PERFECT. Until that glorious day, stop looking to this world (and yourself) for perfection and try to enjoy life as much as possible while we focus on knowing Jesus and making Him known in all the Earth.
In His Perfect Love,
Dwight
The Parson
