KELLY'S HEROES (1970)

Directed by: Brian G. Hutton
Written by: Troy Kennedy-Martin
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Don Rickles
Rated: PG-13

About the film:
In the midst of World War II, a US lieutenant hears about a hidden cache of gold bars the Nazis were planning to ship out of Germany. He leads his platoon into enemy territory to steal the gold.

Movie Quote:
“Why don’t you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don’t you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don’t you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?
Sgt. Oddball (Donald Sutherland) in Kelly’s Heroes (1970)

Bible Quote:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Commentary:
Even people engaged in an ungodly activity can hunger for a godly result. Sgt. Oddball’s comment, whether he realizes it or not, expresses a biblical principle that we would do well to follow.

It does us no good to be around people who do little more than confess negatives. Continually hearing how awful something is; or why something won’t work only serves to prepare us for the failure that is sure to come because of the negativity surrounding it.

Our attitude and what we believe are keys to the successes that we will have in life. To surround ourselves with “negative waves” will lead us to a negative frame of mind which in turn will eventually reap negative results. It is what might be called a “self-fulfilling prophecy.”

It is far more edifying to be around people who will seek ways to build us up and strengthen our believing. Positive works of encouragement and constructive observations on how to improve a situation will help prepare us for the success we desire and as we continue to believe for positive results and continue to work towards that goal, we will eventually reap the fruit of our believing.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. How might we act differently if we thought about the words we speak as being physical objects like darts or bullets?
2. At what points in your life can you say that you were influenced or affected by the words that someone spoke to you?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com