THE GOOD EARTH (1937)

Directed by: Sidney Franklin
Written by: Talbot Jennings, Tess Slesinger, Claudine West
Studio: MGM
Starring: Paul Muni, Luise Rainer, Walter Connolly
Rated: PG-13

About the film:
A poor Chinese farmer takes a wife and together they begin to scrape out a meager existence. As their fortunes increase, the farmer loses sight of what helped lead him to his success.

Movie Quote:
"The soul of a great nation is expressed in the life of its humblest people."
Screen caption in The Good Earth (1937)

Bible Quote:
“So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls.”
John 15:12 (Amplified)

Commentary:
Humility or meekness is often a much-maligned quality that is not given its proper due by people who don’t recognize or understand its power. The scriptures state that a person willing to adopt a humbleness of mind will be rewarded. A great nation is one that is comprised of such people and led by a ruler who will similarly subjugate his own ego to follow a higher standard or truth.

Unfortunately, a person’s humility or meekness is sometimes mistaken for weakness, cowardliness or uncertainty. Our human tendency is to be drawn towards those A-type personalities whose charisma and take-charge attitude often mask the fact that they are being blinded by their own egos and desires.

It is not a sign of weakness to refer to a map when traveling to an unfamiliar location. By following a map’s directions, we can move forward with confidence and be assured of successfully reaching our goal. The challenge of safely navigating through life is no different. When we, humbly or meekly, allow God to direct our steps, we are given a strength and power that enables us to prevail in any situation. When our nation’s leaders do the same, the fruit of following that wisdom becomes evident for all to see.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What led to Wang Lung’s initial success and how well did he handle the obstacles that were placed before him?
2. What is meant by “the soul of a nation” from the movie’s quote? To what does that refer?

Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com