Sermons can come in different forms and formats. Today’s came from the First Church of Hollywood. Yep, a movie. It was about a man who followed the rules and insisted others do. He would get upset when they took a “flippant” attitude toward them and dismissed him when he pointed out their misconduct.
Some got annoyed at him. For them, the rules didn’t seem to take on the same importance. The man often got frustrated. I can identify with the man who followed the rules and expected others to do so as well. The man found peace when things were in order and went as ordered. Like for me, it creates a sense of peace. I want to think I get that from my heavenly Father!
For He [Who is the source of their prophesying] is not a God of confusion and disorder but of peace and order. 1 Cor. 14:33 (AMPC)
The man also suffered from the medical condition “Cardiomegaly.” I didn’t know either, but it means an enlarged heart. At one point, when one of his neighbors heard he had a big heart, she laughed. She and her family had been one of his violators.
As the movie played, the man realized that “order” was still good but that people were more important than “order.” He quit judging others as to why they didn’t have order in their lives or struggled to follow the rules. He stopped the condemnation, listened, and sought ways to help them. Perhaps he had a big heart after all.
No spoiler alerts here. I only give away the endings when begged to. I will tell you, though, that the Holy Spirit brought conviction upon me. I want “order” in my life, but instead of giving “orders” as to how others should live, I, too, need to focus on the person. I need to listen and find a way to bring peace into their life.
Prayer: God, help me to identify the needs of others and to have the compassion needed for the situation. Help me take the time to listen and find ways to bring “order” and “peace” into the lives of others. Thank you, Father. Amen
Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.
brady, mark a. 
A Man Called Otto was a great movie. I enjoy your column. Do you remember where I met you traveling across the US. We were getting gas in some state and exchanged emails. Had no idea your were a minister. That was in 2018.
Laura, I have never forgotten you. For you at that time, were living the life I still want. Living in an RV and seeing the beautiful sites around America. I was eyeing your RV as you said we were both getting gas. It was a Saturday, near I40 in Oklahoma. I was with a friend and heading to an OU college football game. I was so sad for you when you said you gave that life up because though you were seeing these incredible sites but you had no one to share it with. I’m sorry. Thank you for being a faithful reader. I appreciate you and you occasionally checking in. Blessings and I hope you are well.