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

THE KARATE KID (1984)

Directed by: John G. Avildsen
Written by: Robert Mark Kamen
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Starring: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue
Rated: PG

About the film:
A teen from New Jersey moves to California and becomes the target of a group of bullies when he befriends an attractive schoolmate. He seeks help from a local handyman who agrees to teach him the art of karate but the lessons are taught in a highly unorthodox manner.

Movie Quote:
“First learn stand, then learn fly. Nature rule, Daniel San, not mine.”
Mr. Miyagi (Pat Norita) in The Karate Kid (1984)

Bible Quote:
“I gave you milk, not solid food; for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.”
1 Corinthians 3:2 (NIV)

Commentary:
Mr. Miyagi is a wise teacher. Instead of immediately teaching Daniel how to punch or block punches thrown at him, he gave him work assignments which strengthened the muscles which he would need as his instructions continued to develop. In no discipline of life do we learn how to do everything in one easy lesson.

That is not to say that we don’t expect it. We live in a world that tempts us with instant gratification. We can hop in a car and travel from 0 to 60 mph in seconds. But we need to recognize that is a misconception to think that all of life is designed in this manner.

Even the automobile example I’ve used is a bit misleading. Before we can expect anyone to reach a level of proficiency when driving a car, we’d naturally expect him to receive training in the use and handling of the vehicle. It is why we have driver education instructors.

Taking the time to learn the fundamentals of any activity is vitally important in succeeding and excelling at that activity. It is true in all areas and disciplines of life… no more so than in the spiritual arena.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Think about the greatest athletes in their fields (Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, etc.). How good would they have been if they never practiced?
2. Part of Daniel’s success came from his meekness to follow Miyagi’s instruction. What is meekness and how important is it to the building of strength?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com