Lessons From Benjamin

Oct 16, 2021

In December 2008, the movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was released. It is the story of a man who is born old and ages backwards.

The story explores the way that age dictates identity. It challenges the idea that life would be better if we could erase its hurts. Characters throughout the movie have philosophical observations that convey a message about the importance of cherishing each day.

In one scene, Benjamin sends a letter to his friend. At one age, he had been in love with her. He writes “I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you have a life you’re proud of. If you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start again.”

That makes for a great Hollywood script, but when you really stop and ponder those words, we can learn from them. Have you felt the presence of the Holy Spirit? Have you had discussions with people of different beliefs than you just to listen and learn their point of view? Are you proud of the way you’re living your life?

CT Studd wrote a poem many years ago, and part of it reads like this:

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,

Soon will its fleeting hours be done;

Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,

And stand before His Judgement seat;

Only one life,’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

We did a memorial service recently for a man who died too soon from complications of COVID. He was a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Ken and I knew Dave well because he, his wife Connie, and often other family members sat in the front row when we had a Saturday night service.

During the memorial, family members shared their memories of him. The essence of the qualities described were consistent among each person. His life was an example of a deep love for Christ; character and integrity were non-negotiables, he worked hard and deeply loved his wife and family... and showed it! Nothing else was more important.

Are you proud of the life you’re choosing to live?

A life that has the qualities you strive for (not perfect)! The character qualities of a life that bears fruit listed in Galatians 5:22-23:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Totally transparent, I’ve been growing in the area of patience, but that has always been a challenge for me. I’m actively learning to take a step back and take a breath rather than growing impatient if something isn’t completed as quickly as I would like it to be. (If you’d like to grow in this area, remodel your home. You’ll understand what I mean!)

If you’re reading this and feeling like you’ve made a mess of your life, it’s never too late to start again.

Your identity is not in the mistakes you’ve made. If you have a relationship with Jesus, it’s in being His son or daughter. In our weakness He is strong!

The character Benjamin Button says “Life can only be understood backward, but it must be lived forward.” We learn from our past but it doesn’t define us. We can begin right now to offer forgiveness, both to ourselves and others.