Reaction to Valkyrie

I am challenged. The message proclaimed boldly in the film Valkyrie has continued to eat away at me since viewing the film. I may not agree with the casting for the film, but the story gets me. Actually, the story gets all over me. We're talking ROCKS MY FACE OFF.

So, what's so intriguing about a historical film? Good question, I am glad you asked. First of all, you have a country in turmoil. One man dictates everything, yeah you know your history, Adolf Hitler. A pitiful excuse for a human being but a powerful example of leadership, even if it is leadership gone wrong. Nonetheless, the part that gets me...

A sect of people who remain loyal to sacred Germany, continue to question the leadership and direction of Hitler. They respect his position, but fear his power has taken himself and their beloved country in a turn for the worse. Needless to say, the people found themselves dissatisfied with the current leadership and situation. Their resolution... ACT. Each participant in the plan to overthrow Hitler is fully aware of what failure means... immediate death. The challenge presents insurmountable odds and an unlikely affirmative outcome. They all realize to act on what they think (and believe) results in treason and makes them bonafide traitors. But they act anyway!!! They execute their plan and it appears to be working. All is going according to plan until the tide turns. Failure on their part not to act immediately on each part of the plan led to disaster. The men whose loyality to German ran soul deep found themselves not being hoisted up on shoulder as heros, but as the showcase of a firing squad. "Look them in the eyes... they will remember you," is the faithful's final advice and battle cry. Now that's heroism!

But imagine for a moment, if you will, their dilemma. Which brings more disrespect? Honoring your country at the expsense of your authority or honoring your ruler at the expsense of your honor and the honor for your country? Yeah, I wonder if followers of Christ believe with that much conviction. Would we take the risk? What if doing the right thing meant acting in a way that seemed out of place and would cost you everything? Would you be willing to do the right thing even if you knew you would fail? Does the Lord call us to fail sometimes? Or is it simply a matter of being a obedient at each step of the plan and acting willingly and unashamedly at each task? Will we do our part when called upon no matter how much it cost? Ask yourself the hard question when it comes to accountability and your responsibility in it... Will I do the right thing, REGARDLESS, or will I take the easy way out, give in and give up?

The decision is yours. Choose wisely.

"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16 (ESV)