Life Lessons from Step Up

...we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. – 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 43-44; 1 Thessalonians 2

I was watching this movie the other day called Step Up. I’ll start by saying that it is not a very good film; however, it was highly entertaining.

Judge me if you like.

One of the more interesting things about the movie was the relationship between the main character’s best friend and his little brother.
The main character and his best friend stole cars together and sold them to chop shops. The best friend’s little brother looked up to his big bro and of course he wanted to be part of the fun. Any chance he got he would be with them boosting cars and getting into trouble. It was a fun game for him and an opportunity to impress his brother.

Well, after an evening where little man showed out a bit too much at a neighborhood party his big brother told him to go home. He left but he was upset. Just then he saw a Cadillac Escalade unattended and he jumped in, thinking that the theft would impress his brother. He drove the car back to the party to show off, not knowing that it was the truck of the biggest gangster in town.

The big brother saw him, and told him to run away from the truck. The little brother didn’t listen, and you can guess what happened next.

Drive by!

When I was growing up I often heard people talk about “saving souls”. It’s this idea that somehow I can have a conversation with someone and convince them to believe what I believe.

There was always something about this that bothered me. Sure I should be shy about sharing my beliefs but I mean really that’s a ton of responsibility! If only I say the right words then a person will decide to believe as I believe? Is it all up to me? That seems rather absurd the more you think about it.

From what I can tell the best way to have a positive effect on someone else’s life is to be a good example. Sure someone may listen to what you have to say but they will be more moved by watching what you do.

It’s much easier to talk than it is to act in a consistent way.

The folks that we share our lives with are watching how we live. They are watching the decisions we make and the lessons we learn. When we share ourselves with those that we love we are sharing the good and the bad. If we can remember this then we can really understand how best we are equipped to change the world around us.

Live the best possible way that you can in any give moment. Over time you will see that this will help you create the best possible world around you.