Trailers for the Kingdom

by Jon

“Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.” Philippians 2:15b-16

I love movie trailers. When I watch a movie at a theatre, I would rush to try to be seated at the theatre minutes before the movie timing so that I can get to watch the trailers of upcoming movies for the season.

I love how trailers are mini-movies in themselves, giving just the right amount of a sneak peak on what the movie is about without revealing too much, drumming up my excitement for the movie. By the end of the trailer, I would often decide whether to add the movie to my “To watch” list or decide that it is not worth my time.

And like many an amateur movie trailer aficionado, I may not know what makes a good trailer, but I sure know what a bad one is. Some trailers are so vague that I cannot figure out what the movie is about. Perhaps it is to create more suspense or cast the movie in a mysterious light, but rather than generate more anticipation, the vagueness of the trailer makes me suspect the movie will be as vague and uninteresting.

Then there are the trailers that appear so generic that it almost seems to be pieced together based on a formula. When I can predict how the trailer will go, I can almost be certain that I can predict how the movie will play out. These movies usually end up in my “Do not watch” list.

In some ways we are all like trailers as well. The writer of Philippians calls believers to shine like stars as a witness to the world. He echoes the book of Daniel that calls those who shine like stars “wise” and whose behaviour is able to “turn many to righteousness” (Daniel 12:3).

We are trailers in that we provide the world a sneak peak of Christ and the Kingdom that He has promised is here and advancing. Our lives are called to generate excitement for the Kingdom and bring others to hope in Christ.

However, for some of us, the message of our lives seem vague. The thorns of cares and worries of everyday life have choked the Gospel message in our hearts. While we are Christians in name, our actions and lives don’t seem to express the same revolutionary love, peace and grace that Christ encompasses. It leaves others in confusion and they leave uninterested.

For others, we are caught in the struggle to live transformed lives in Christ and following the life of others around us. In our struggles, we may have rationalised that it is okay to live like the rest of the world while believing in a countercultural God. However, when others view our lives, they see a stereotypical person just like any other, with no trace of transformation, empowerment or purpose beyond what is in this life. They see that what we are is no different and walk away disappointed.

There is a hymn called “Heralds of Christ” which I find meaningful. In the hymn it speaks of believers “bearing the King’s commands”, with “immortal tidings in mortal hands” to “make straight the highway of the King”. It is a reminder for me to that everyday is an opportunity to live life in a Christ-centred way. That even in the most mundane of task, I will be able to display the love of Christ to those around.

I want to make my life a great trailer for Christ and the Kingdom, one that points to the love of Jesus and the promise that He has to all who accept Him. While it is challenging, I take comfort in the final verses of the hymn:

“Lord, give us faith and strength the road to build
To see the promise of the day fulfilled
When war shall be no more, and strife shall cease
Upon the highway of the Prince of Peace.“