
Day 27 — The Lie Of More
More possessions cannot secure life; true riches are received from God and used for the good of others.

More possessions cannot secure life; true riches are received from God and used for the good of others.

Greed promises security through possessions, but mercy sees people as precious and trusts God enough to hold his gifts with open hands.

The school holidays are almost here. For some, that means travelling; for others, entertaining children or grandchildren; and for still others, enjoying the slightly quieter roads while everybody else does the travelling and entertaining.
It may also mean time for a movie. So, for the next two weeks, I thought I would offer some holiday viewing inspired by our sermon series, The Seven: From Vice to Virtue. This week, here are four films corresponding to the first four pairings we have considered.

Because we are chosen, holy and dearly loved, we can put on the patient and gentle character of Christ.

Patience refuses personal revenge because it trusts God’s justice and seeks to overcome evil with good.

Anger becomes spiritually dangerous when we nurse it; in Christ we can put it away and practise truth, kindness and forgiveness.

Jesus’ anger is governed by love: it confronts hard hearts and acts to restore life.

Human anger is a dangerous guide; God’s word teaches us to listen quickly, speak slowly and entrust our reactions to him.