It’s a Wonderful Life

Want a good movie about money?

For many, watching the film, It’s a Wonderful Life, is a Christmas tradition. Frank Capra brilliantly portrayed two worldviews in his depiction of the human condition of a shrewd antagonist vs. a shrewd hero. Henry Potter wanted money, power, and control. George Bailey put others before himself. Potter took advantage of others while Bailey sacrificed his desires to help others. He surrendered a honeymoon, dreams, and ambitions to save the hard-earned money of the everyday folks of Bedford Falls. He was cheered for his character and integrity as a steward of the Bailey Building and Loan. Sometime this holiday season, please take a couple hours to watch It’s a Wonderful Life. Incredibly, the entire plot is about money and the struggle between selfishness and generosity. After you watch it, analyze the way you handle what God’s provided. Are you more like George Bailey or Henry Potter? Ask the Lord to convict you of the mishandling of resources. Whether it’s your time, talent, or money, confess your sin and repent. Ask God to give you the desire to live as a wise steward.

Yesterday we examined the Parable of the Shrewd Manager and defined shrewdness as the following: 

• Having or showing astute or sharp judgment in practical matters

• And clever discerning awareness; hardheaded acumen and artful resource management

Would you be characterized as shrewd? Why or why not? What do you need to change in your life to repurpose your use of money?

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