Character

A couple weeks ago I wrote a post about this scene. It’s from a movie called The Big Kahuna.

I’ve decided to revisit it; only this time, I’m putting up the whole clip instead of just the quote. The scene is 5 minutes— which I know for a blog clip is kinda long— but I promise it’s well worth your time.

I could write thousands of words on the beauty and brilliance and insight of this scene, but just suffice it to say, this scene presents a great definition of “character”.

Meanwhile, it exposes the folly in Christians trying to proseltyze Jesus and sell salvation as if it were a product (I have a whole essay in my book, High Points and Lows, about this same thing). Having been one of those Christians at one point in my life, I strongly regret the way I arrogantly proposed to others that I had a better way for them live their life— simply via one conversation.

Yes, I believe in Christian salvation.

Yes, I want it for others.

Yes, I think it beautiful and life-changing and transformative.

But no, I don’t believe it’s something one should arbitrarily foist on someone else. Not something that should come from cold calls or manipulated conversations. Rather, in order for it to be pure, it must come from a place of love and sincerity, a place where, when the person to whom it is being persented isn’t interested, the presenter doesn’t suddenly feel offended or challenged or foolish or unworthy.

I hope you’ll enjoy the clip,
Austin