127 Hours

Would you cut off your arm to save your life? I recently watched the movie 127 Hours based on the true story of Aron Ralston whose arm is pinned under a boulder while canyoning alone near Moab, Utah. Aron's water has run out (he is forced to drink his urine), he has little chance of being rescued because he is out of sight and he is beginning to hallucinate. His only chance to live is to self amputate (with a blunt pocket knife) and to stay conscious so he doesn't bleed to death. Many people choose not to see the movie because of this scene but it wasn't that bad because it is in the context of .... I'm going to die anyway  ... I'm going to lose my arm anyway ... so I've got nothing to lose.


The amazing thing is that this accident saved Aron's life in more ways than one. Aron admits to being a selfish loner who didn't care much about his family. While trapped in the canyon, he has plenty of time to reflect on his selfishness and to consider what he really wants out of life. If only he can escape and be given a second chance at life. (See video interview). 


Jesus taught a similar thing re: chopping off your hand in order to save your life in Matthew 18:8. If your hand or your foot causes you to sin cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire.


In order to have life we must deal with our sin problem in a radical way.

Most people I know think that I'm crazy

This is the title of a great song by Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs (an Australian band from 1972). I don't know if Billy Thorpe was a Christian or not but the lyrics of his song reflect what it is to be a true Christian.

Most people I know think that I'm crazy and
I know at times I act a little hazy but
if thats my way
and you should know it then
in every way help me to show it.

oooooooo yeah, yeah, yeah

For most of my life I lived a delusion yes
material gain has caused me confusion but
slowly in time I learned that my place is to
tell all that I meet the glory that God is

oooooooo yeah, yeah

and thats why .... Most people I know think that I'm crazy etc.

This song reflects what the apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:13 "If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God." ie. Many people perceive (real) Christians as crazy as they urge all around them to turn back to God and take Jesus seriously. It's just not polite in this post modern world to be urging your beliefs onto other people (people say or think). But the apostle Paul doesn't care what other people think. All he cares about is pleasing God and urging people to be saved while there's still time. 

Click here to read the full text of what drives Paul on to be so counter cultural. What do you think about his reasons? And that's why .........