My documentary

“But I tell you that everyone will have to give an account in the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.” Matthew 12:36 NIV

My wife and I watched a documentary about Tiger’s. I think most people have seen or heard the term “Tiger King” in the last few months. If you have not watched, maybe you are better for it. I am not sure that it has made a great contribution to life. But we watched.

After the show ended, we had questions about how things turned out. So did a lot of people. In fact, enough inquiring minds wanted to know, that another episode was released. Again, you might be better off going for a walk, I am not endorsing the show. But the last episode called into question the ringleader of the circus. More specifically what he thought about himself.

It got me thinking, what would a documentary about my life look like? Probably pretty boring to be honest. I speak a lot of words, at times too many. I think I have actually grown quieter over the years, but I am still a smart ass far too often. I think I am a good dad, but I have heard my daughter describe being afraid of me at times growing up. One of those was after she had snuck out of the house to go on a date, but still… Korbin routinely plays recordings he has captured of times he has intentionally frustrated me. He hides his iPad and then starts provoking. He thinks it is funny, me not so much.

I do not think it is all bad by any means, but if a show about me was being released, I would be nervous. If my friends were interviewed thinking that I would never hear their answer, what is the impression I have made.

I am not saying that either you or I should be solely concerned with what people think. That is an inconsistent and poorly aimed measure at best. Different people are bound to have different points of view. My own opinion of myself varies from day to day. So, I am not saying that what people think should be my primary focus. What I am asking is more general. If a documentary was made about me, what would it sound like?

When I was a kid, I remember thinking that Christians sort of got a free pass straight through to heaven, sort of a get out of judgement card. But the bible tells me that I will have to give an account for every empty word. It also says that I will know that what I deserve is death. All of us fall short of the glory of God.

People who are close to us have seen me at my absolute worst. They have also seen me at maybe as good as I have to offer. Not perfect, but as good as I get. On normal days maybe none of this seems relevant. But on some days, I can become aware that someone just saw me angry over something small like an order at a restaurant being wrong. If I am stressed over the pace of life or if I just don’t see that person who just needs a listening ear, I may have just blown by an opportunity to have a positive interaction. I may have blown past something God Himself has prepared, for me.

There are situations in life where someone you know presents one picture, but you consistently see evidence that is contrary. It can be even worse when a believer talks one game but plays another. If my family see’s that I am constantly stressed, worried, and impatient while listening to me tell others that I am not – I hurt my own chance to lead or love the same people I would die for the way God has asked me.

How many times have you seen someone’s actions drown their words?

Do my actions speak louder than my words? If you know me, I am asking…

Challenge: Some statements just cannot be taken back. Some actions cannot be undone. Ask someone you trust if your words and actions match. Ask them what picture that paints. If you do not like the picture, what are you going to change. Second, ask yourself if you are holding someone to an unattainable standard. Our standard is Jesus. He did not demand perfect actions, but He take action to forgive. Have I?

Rick Claiborn