“Dirty” Harry Callahan, when asked to describe a woman, once remarked, “I‘d
give her a 2, only because I’ve never seen a 1!” And I must admit, over the
years I have seen some pretty detestable characters, but never that elusive 1.
But I would like to share of two characters, two pathetic, detestable characters
played by two Hollywood legends. Both used to playing glamorous roles, but in
playing George and Martha in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” showcase their
great talents. I don’t watch movies because a certain actor is in it, although
I have found certain actors make the picture, just like certain groups make the
song. Never being an Elizabeth Taylor fan, after seeing her play Maggie in “Cat
on a Hot Tin Roof,” years ago, her beauty was overwhelming, stealing the scene
even when in the background. But after seeing her play Martha in WAOVW? I come
close to being a fan. As glamorous as she was, she is that elusive 1, I’d say
close at 1 1/2, playing a character so well you cannot believe she is acting.
Add Richard Burton playing George, her equally pathetic husband, the movie is
one you cannot turn off, much like trying to turn away from a train wreck,
somehow you just have to watch. Just to hear Burton call her “Martha” is
priceless, yet these two examples of human debris are so pathetic and hateful to
each other, they cannot live without each other. I will warn you the movie is
graphic, not so much in language but in attitude, but a 4 **** movie all the
way. “Two thumbs up” as the late Roger Ebert would say.
The late Carroll O’Connor once explained how easy it was to play the iconic
Archie Bunker because in real life he was just the opposite. It was all acting,
but done so well you would think that Archie and Carroll were the same in front
of the camera and in real life. But Carroll was a bleeding heart liberal, as
was Norman Lear the producer, who even had an organization “People for the
American Way,” so far left it was off the road. So great acting can lead us
astray, something we need to remember, it is only a part in a movie or TV
show-not real life. Or is it?
I am disgusted with most if not all of “religious broadcasting.” From
false teaching of prosperity, promising you a blessing for sending them money,
to fake prayer clothes, to false doctrines, the wolves in sheep’s clothing are
out there. No wonder Jesus warned us to be as gentle as lambs, yet as wise as
serpents, for the serpents are just the opposite. Take Eve and the serpent,
would she have responded if he was ugly and scary looking, or even threatening?
Yet his promise sounded like God’s, but was a cleverly worded lie. And as I
channel surf watching each one begging for money, like it is your responsibility
to keep these liars on the air, they promise trinkets, food, blessings, and
drain the pockets and hearts of unsuspecting. It could never happen to us, yet
look around-it has and still does. Do not be deceived, bad company corrupts
good morals. And scripture warns of these types who are in for the
money-yours! Beware! “Martha!”
Years ago I had read how Ray Stedman did a Wednesday night service, and
allowed those in need to take from the collection if needed, rather than
donate. My prayer was someday I could do that, and when invited to a Triker
Blessing, I took a giant leap of faith and after a short lesson, took up a
collection. Telling those in attendance, “I know gas is expensive and money is
low, take a little if it will help, but leave enough for others, too.” And I
put the first $20 in the bucket. And went on to bless the trikes, and then to
say goodbye to the officers of the event. Who were thrilled, and very excited
and thankful. The collection was designed for me, to cover expenses out to
Laughlin, they paid their speakers, but I had turned it over to them, again
trusting God, and wanting to live Ray’s example. Tearfully the one lady told me
how for years they had wanted to start a benevolent fund for hurting trikers,
but never had the money. Trikers tended to be older, and poorer, and had
trouble taking care of themselves, let alone others. But with this money, they
were able to start this fund, and were beyond words of thanks. More of a
blessing than I had ever dreamed, God used my simple act of obedience to bless
them, and to show that love gives, and doesn’t take. That God meets needs
according to His riches, not ours, and it is more blessed to give than receive.
And they were very blessed to receive.
Today you may be accused of being a Christian? Where is the evidence to
convict you? Are you just playing a role, or are you really in Christ? Are you
that two, wishing to be a 10, or trying to avoid being the one? Long after my
words at the triker blessing were forgotten, they will remember our actions.
Just like we remember those of Jesus, but have trouble with the words
sometimes. Lay down your cross, and pick up His, and follow Him-no script
needed-just obedience. If you are asked to give it isn’t a gift. Avoid those
envelopes and pledge cards-give as God directs, and accept the blessings. And
if you need an iconic character to follow, try Jesus-none more iconic or better
than Him. Many lead lives of self inflicted torture trying to be what they
aren’t, and we can see what they can’t. Be yourself in Christ, allow Him to be
your Lord. Do you choose to live a Christian life, or are you living an
illusion? Does your church give, or receive? Do you?
To me the best actors are the ones who choose the hardest parts and make
them seem real. George and Martha were so real that no acting seemed involved.
We all know people like them, maybe that is why I associated with them. But I
also know those who associate with Jesus, and behave like Him. With no acting
involved. I choose to follow them.
Try Jesus, on a scale of 1-10 He’s somewhere off the scale. How do you
rate the God you follow? Why play the part when you can be the part? We’ll
only know by the part He plays in your life.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com