TOP GUN (1986)

Directed by: Tony Scott
Written by: Jim Cash, Jack Epps Jr.
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Starring: Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Anthony Edwards
Rated: PG

About the film:
The best pilots of the US Navy compete for the honor of being “top gun.” Maverick is one of the leading contenders until a tragedy causes him to lose his nerve. With support from his commanding officer and the love of an attractive Top Gun instructor, Maverick struggles to regain his confidence.

Movie Quote:
“A good pilot always evaluates what’s happened so he can apply what he’s learned.”
Viper (Tom Skerritt) in Top Gun (1986)

Bible Quote:
“Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”
James 1:23-24 (NIV)

Commentary:
We can use all of life’s experiences, good or bad, to better ourselves. If we treat each experience as a time of learning and evaluation, we can grow and mature on a daily basis. Every experience is like a snapshot that allows us to look in a mirror and see where we are in terms of our development.

Mirrors are amazing. They grant us the ability to examine ourselves as we actually are. If we don’t like what we see in the reflection (i.e. a hair out of place, a blemish, etc.), we have the opportunity to correct it before we present ourselves to the rest of the world.

The Word of God also shows us a reflection… a reflection of what we can be. It gives us a picture of how God sees us. If we don’t recognize ourselves in His Word, we then have the opportunity to make changes in our lives so we might more closely match the vision God has for us.

The Word, like a mirror, will only work if we take the time and expend the energy to study what’s there, evaluate the reflection and take corrective action based upon what we see. If we don’t like what we see of ourselves in it’s light, but take no action to change it… who is to blame?

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What lessons did Maverick learn during the course of the film and how do they equate with biblical lessons addressed to us?
2. The quoted verse of scripture indicates that if we do not apply what we learn, we will forget it. What examples of this can you think of either form the Bible or from your own experience?

Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com