Engaging Our Culture: April 5-Be True to Yourself

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1995 film “Babe”

Bible Verse of the Day:

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ⁵ so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ⁶ We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your^[a] faith; ⁷ if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; ⁸ if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,^[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully, Romans 12:4-8.

Biblical Connection:

 An orphaned piglet is spared from being Christmas dinner when a farmer wins a guess the weight contest at a local country fair. One year later, Babe’s fate is in danger again when the Hoggetts host family for the holidays. Babe finds a purpose for his existence when he alerts Mr. Hoggett of sheep rustlers in the fields. This sets the stage for today’s scene as Babe is given the opportunity to become a sheepdog. However, Babe attempts to use sheepdog tactics rather than be himself.

The apostle Paul writes to the Church at Rome concerning the various gifts that exist among the members. Apparently, some gifts were held in higher regards that other spiritual gifts. Subsequently, Christians found themselves like Babe in today’s scene, trying to get results without being true to themselves. Once the sheep realized that Babe wasn’t like the other sheepdogs, they actually listened and made him look good. As Paul urges in today’s verse, let your gifts shine.

Closing Song:

The lyrics of Stick to Your Guns reminds me of David in 1 Samuel 17, not comfortable with the armor and sword King Saul offered before fighting Goliath. Instead, David went back to what he was confident with, his sling shot and 5 stones. Rather than try to impress others or pretend to be someone else, stick to your guns in the area or areas where you are gifted.

by Jay Mankus