My wife and I recently watched The Greatest Showman released in 2017. It is based on the true story of P.T. Barnum's rise to fame with circus performers (http://decider.com). Although entertainment critics showed little hope for public success, the movie earned around $435 million dollars. Many critics today do not approve of the story line because of its favorable depiction of P.T. Barnum. A quote often attributed to him is "there is sucker born every minute" despite the lack of proof he actually said it. It is a very entertaining movie. The music and choreography make it nearly impossible to sit still as you watch it. Although I have no dancing ability, I will watch it again! Who knows, maybe I'll pick up some moves.
Although the songs have catchy beats and special lyrics, there is one song which stands out to me. It is the song "From Now On". It's Barnum's response to having all but lost his money, circus, friendships, and most importantly his family. Throughout the movie, Barnum is constantly chasing the dollar and fame/notoriety. With all the things he believed he needed to be successful, the show finally ended with him facing the reality of his "sitz en leben," (situation in life). The lyrics to the song depict him coming back home. That is, returning to what was most important to him.
Here are the lyrics to the song and what some of them mean to me in italics:
"I saw the sun begin to dim
And felt that winter wind blow cold A man learns who is there for him
When the glitter fades and the walls won't hold
'Cause from then, rubble
What remains
Can only be what's true If all was lost
There's more I gained
'Cause it led me back
To you"
The world has much to offer and it all seems good until a point is reached when you recognize it has no lasting, eternal effect.
"From now on
These eyes will not be blinded by the lights From now on
What's waited 'til tomorrow starts tonight
Tonight"
In many, but not all, there comes a realization they have been chasing the world in vain and their eyes are opened to the blinding effects of selfish pursuit and vanity.
"Let this promise in me start
Like an anthem in my heart From now on
From now on"
A decision must be reached recognizing the heart has been sealed by the Holy Spirit into an eternal relationship with Jesus Christ; that is, From Now On.
"I drank champagne with kings and queens
The politicians praised my name But those are someone else's dreams,
the pitfalls of the man I became
For years and years
I chased their cheers
The crazy speed of always needing more But when I stop
And see you here
I remember who all this was for
And from now on
These eyes will not be blinded by the lights From now on
What's waited 'til tomorrow starts tonight
it starts tonight And let this promise in me start,
Like an anthem in my heart From now on
From now on
From now on
And we will come back home
And we will come back home
Home again" (Benj Pasek / Justin Paul).
Many Christians, followers of Christ as well as non-believers, have let the world draw them away from Christ.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 tells us,
"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."
The lyrics can, of course, be interpreted in different ways. There is the contemporary worldly view which does not speak to his spiritual condition. It simply means he lost sight of what was important to him. Then there is the spiritual view, which when applied to each line makes a definite link between God and one's relationship with Him. I believe there is also a biblical application to this song.
The backdrop of the movie reveals the driving ambition of a man rising out of complete poverty; living in the margins of society. He falls for the siren's call to worldly wealth and fame believing that to be the mark of success. How often do we see this happening to people today? They live for the dollar. They sacrifice almost everything to achieve that elusive status. Cars, money, power, and prestige become the goal and everything standing in the way of those things is consciously or unconsciously, pushed to the outside circle of importance.
The bible tells us these "worldly" draws when finally realized are all temporary and fleeting. It's referred to in the book of Ecclesiastes as a "pursuit of the wind." How often do we see this happening to people in the church, the body of Christ? When people are snared by the pitfall of the world, there are only two ways to travel. Either they remain in a downward spiral to their demise or they can respond to God's call to place their trust in and focus on Him.
We don't have to dig very deep into Scripture to find the meaning of "worldly versus righteous." Worldly is trusting in oneself for all their needs. Relying solely on themselves, the worldly have no desire for a relationship with God. On the other hand, the righteous rely entirely on God for everything in life.
James 2:23 tells us,
"Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness, and he was called God's friend."
If you recall in the book of Genesis, chapter 22, Abraham proved himself faithful to God by trusting Him to protect Isaac's life as he laid him on the altar for sacrifice. Abraham's focus was not on the world, but on God. He could have refused to sacrifice Isaac and hold on to all the wealth given to him by God but, he didn't.
We find Job had also been tested by Satan, with God's permission. Satan took everything worldly from Job and even with everything taken away, he cried out
"naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will leave this life. The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. Praise the name of the LORD," Job 1:21.
These are only two examples of people having heavenly, God-focused lives. There are many more as found in the New Testament book of Hebrews, chapter 11: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Sarah, Jacob, Isaac, Moses, Joseph, and many more.
One example of a worldly focus is found in the Gospel of Luke 18:9-13. Luke records Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee believed himself to be godly, generous, and most of all, accepted by God due to his religious status. Based on works and pedigree, his view was worldly. He saw himself elevated above others because of his success which he counted to be righteous. Jesus said,
"I tell you this, this one went down to his house justified (referring to the humble tax collector) rather than the other (the Pharisee); because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
There are many more examples, but I'll let this one suffice.
I commented earlier on how this song "From Now On" had an impact on me. I believe the world has allurements for everyone. The Gospel of Luke tells of a tax collector named Zacchaeus in chapter 19:1-8. Those in his profession were widely hated, notoriously greedy, and dishonest in pursuit of the pleasures of the world. Throughout history, each person has been drawn to ideas of success; that is, to money, power, prestige, physical pleasure, and material possessions. I know there is relief for those who turn from these desires toward a life focused on God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
From the time this happens, there is no longer a focus on the lights of the world and the approval of anyone; save God. The relief of being rescued from the effects of sin, coupled with the knowledge of the eminency of Christ's return, and the immediacy of drawing others to Him, causes me to believe this cannot wait until tomorrow. It begins tonight; that is, From Now On!
What does this mean to you? Is your focus on the things of the world or on the things of God? There is a "from now on" for every person. What is yours? Is yours going to be business as usual, focused on the world and the "here and now," or is yours going to be focused on God and Jesus Christ beginning now? From now on...
Wear Jesus Well,
Blessings,
Steve
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