Have you seen the film, ‘A beautiful mind’? I think it’s one of my favourites. I’m not sure why. Spoiler alert…
The 2001 film (please don’t let there be any staff born after that date) tells of the true story (maybe that’s why I like it) of Nobel Prize winner John Nash. His innovative work on game theory in mathematics was overshadowed by decades of mental illness. In the end, he is honoured by the fellows of Princeton, in a tradition where they spontaneously presented him with a pen, to mark his amazing achievements.
Now I know why I love that film so much. It is a story that brings Romans 12:10 to life. In the story, John Nash marries, and his wife stands by him, through it all – devoted by love. He has a friend who is always there, but always puts his interests ahead of John’s, always thinking about how John’s action impacts him. This ‘friend’ is part of John’s mental condition and is the antithesis of what it means to put the interests of another first. If you have any time and are looking for a recommendation – ‘A beautiful mind’.
Jesus spoke to his followers about honour in Matthew 25:35. Here, we read that devotion and honour of those most difficult to love, or those overlooked, is an act of devotion and honour to God.
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.’
How can we honour today? Who could you honour today?
