He Never Left

Friends welcome to another blog. It's funny how something – a verse, action, or situation makes us think of ourselves or situations we have witnessed. During the week, I viewed several movies, however one movie stood out to me.

I watched Pureflix (Breaking Man), where the character (pastor) wanted to end his life at church but decided against it. That said, he quit his job during Sunday morning service due to his lack of faith. He walked out on God. His explanation (he no longer believed in God) rattled the congregation, and disappointment filled the congregation. As the story evolved, the audience saw his marriage crumbling due to infidelity (wife's part). That said, he lost his church and marriage within a short time. He fell into a friendship relationship with another woman and was close to losing his only friend. God was no longer his savior, friend, or confidant.

After watching this movie, I realized how easy it is for a person to regard God as a trinket, a picture on a wall, or for monetary gain. When life does not go the way a person thinks, Jesus may become a symbol of contempt, disgust, or an ordinary man as in the case of the movie character. The man in the movie thought about his treasures-(position and people's opinions). Sadly, his marriage did not survive. He did not think about his sin- it was everyone's fault- but his. Due to his mental state, later, the hospital admitted him for depression and suicidal risk. As my pastor so eloquently said Sunday morning, we must have a firm foundation. Upon thinking about his statement, I realized the character may not have had a strong foundation from the beginning. Or he may have thought it was intense; however, when events in his life turned sour, his foundation could not withstand the changes. It crumbled.

Why? The preacher became accustomed to glorying in himself, others' perception of him, and his righteousness. He did not give God glory. Many sentences began with "I." The preacher's heart was not right with God. His outward appearance seemed to say, "I am God's child"; however, his inner man said the opposite. He did not trust God. His heart was on things of the Earth- his marriage, saying the right words, and looking the part of the preacher. However, he no longer treasured God as his Lord and savior. Money became his master. He became his own god. Though the pastor's foundation may have begun well – he may have believed in God when he began his ministry- however, he left the ministry a broken man.

During the movie, at one point, he struggled to forgive anyone opposing his view. There was no forgiveness or little understanding for his soon-to-be ex-wife. His way was right, and everyone was wrong. Therefore, his treasure became about himself. Sadly, he moved from saying he believed in God to questioning God's existence to no longer believing in God. However, God always has a plan. Though the pastor no longer believed in God, God still believed in him. God did not turn his back on the pastor. However, the pastor turned his back on God.

Deuteronomy 31:5-6 comes to mind. Yahweh will deliver them up before you, and you shall do to them according to all the commandment which I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid or scared of them; for Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you."

The character’s pride and arrogance were turning points in his life; though he turned his back on God. However, God waits with open arms to welcome us back. His patience, love, and mercy last forever. Like the pastor, many people base their happiness on spouses, homes, salaries, positions, and good work. However, our treasures are in Heaven, not on Earth. After all was said and done, the pastor asked the Lord to forgive him. He returned to God.

Though the movie was fictional, producers may have based it on facts. For instance, pastors under the age of 45 considered quitting the ministry. Over 4,000 American churches closed, and 20,000 pastors decided to leave the ministry. Half of the pastors currently in the pulpit would leave if they could. https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2021/november/

The pastor could not perform enough good work to earn his way into Heaven, neither can we. However, by God’s grace and mercy, we are saved once we believe the gospel. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

God’s love does not stop when we mess up. Peter was a great example of God’s continued love and patience. All of us mess up, lack faith at times then cry out to God for help. He is there. He is not a God who doesn’t care. He cares for each one of us, our needs and spiritual life. Had he not cared, he would have never sent his son to die for our sins.

For God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

I hope this blog is a blessing to all who search for Christ. His love is unmatched and will always continue. May the Lord bless and keep you. I'd love to hear from you. Please email me at mailto:dorothy@savedheartfaith.com or mailto:dburrell38@yahoo.com I hope you have a great week. Please do not forget to visit YouTube for the shortened companion video to this blog. Thanks for stopping by.

Jesus said, Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon Earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Matthew 6:19-20

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