I Coulda Been a Contender!

Posted by Randy Harrod on Mar 28th, 2010 | no comments home title

“I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” Jude v3

Marlon Brando’s pitiful angst in delivering the most famous line in 1954’s“best picture,” On the Waterfront, still resonates with us since it deals with a common condition: being burdened by regret for previous actions and lost opportunities. Brando’s character, Terry Malloy, was reflecting on his young life and the way he’d squandered his opportunity to have “class” and “be somebody.” An up-and-coming prizefighter from a tough neighborhood, he had settled for ‘chump change’ in throwing a fight that might have led to a title shot. This led to a series of compromises and a season of inconsolable regret in which he felt trapped, in the prime of life, by his previous mistake. The film finishes on a victorious note, in which Terry does “become somebody.” Although he didn’t become a champion fighter, he became a local hero, a leader at work, got the girl, and was mentored by a local priest. Like the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43), Terry’s actions proved the axiom, “It’s not how you start, but how you finish.”

Jesus’ brother, Jude, wrote to motivate Christians everywhere to action and to warn us about the eternal cost of living a nominal Christian life. Scripture tells us to cast all our cares upon Jesus, because He cares for us (1Peter 5:7). Proverbs 24:16 says, “A righteous man falls seven times and gets back up.” As God’s children who can never be snatched from His hand (John 10:28) and are entrusted with His truth that will never be broken or pass away (Matthew 24:35, John 10:35), we’ve been commissioned to contend for the faith. We can do this going forward with the unshakeable confidence that our life and work truly matter for eternity and that our past, present and future have been redeemed in Christ!

As Christ’s disciples, whatever our previous track record, we can be encouraged by two key facts.

First, we don’t do these things on our own; we have an awesome Lord who strengthens and cheers us along the way, picking us up and washing us off when we stumble.

Second, it’s never too late to be refined, seek God’s purposes, and finish strong.

Jude exhorts us to share God’s truth, reject falsehood and immoral practices, celebrate God’s goodness, live faithfully, and share Christ’s love.