It's a Wonderful Life

The movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” is about a man named George Bailey who had ambitious plans to become an architect, travel the world, and live the high adventure lifestyle he had always dreamed of living. But instead of that life, George finds himself trapped in a humdrum life in a small town named Bedford Falls where he stayed to take over his father’s Building and Loan business, making small loans to mostly poor, working people.

Let’s look at the person George Bailey. When he was 12 years old he was ice sledding with some of his buddies along with his little brother Harry. When it was Harry’s turn his sled went too far and slipped into a hole in the ice-covered pond so George jumps in to save him. This sacrificial act cost George the loss of hearing in his left ear.

George Bailey is confronted with a decision early in his life. It’s time for him to go to college. He could leave Bedford Falls and pursue his dreams of architecture and adventure, or he could stay and take over his father’s building and loan business. His father passes away so George stayed in Bedford Falls.

Later on, George is faced with another decision. The day he was married George is ready to leave town with his bride and a problem arise at the building and loan. A rumor starts that the bank is going under. People want their money right then. What does George do, he takes his own money for his honeymoon and gives it to the people. He doesn’t go on his honeymoon.

We find George thought of others above his own self which goes along with:

Luke 10:27 He answered: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind" and "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Philip. 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.

We are all faced with similar decisions every day the choice between what is gratifying to us personally or making a sacrifice and putting the needs of others ahead of our own. It is natural to put ourselves first. But if our heart has been transformed by the love of God it will move us to put others first much like Jesus did when He died on the cross for our sins. Remember it’s not the length of life we live that determines the good we do it’s what we do with our lives while we live and one of those things we are to do is to put others above our self.