Good Movies and God.

I've noticed something since I became a believer - but a bit of a back story might help you understand a little more.

I love movies. There is very little in this world that I enjoy more than a good movie. I don't know why - and it is much deeper than simple cinematography and special effects - but movies speak to my soul. I thank God for movies, I really do.

But what is it about a movie that is so grand? And, to take it a bit further - how is it possible for me to love movies so much, yet still glorify God and not make them idols?

It's all about the good movie. This is not all movies - and in fact - there have been few truly good movies in my life. A good movie is defined by the feeling it elicits. They are saturated with truth and make your soul cry out.

There is beauty. There is heart. There is truth. There is love. There is emotion. There are a plethora of other things that make you say "Wow" - or maybe just take your breath away.

These are the movies that after you are done watching them, you have to praise God for the universe he created. For the absolute depth he has envisioned and the magnificent wonder of it all.

But these are not all movies. Some movies speak to your soul about the depravity of humanity. There is so much senseless violence in movies it's scary. Other movies just exist to be a movie - they are fun, they're a time away from the world. They're entertainment. These serve their purposes...but these aren't good movies.

Good movies help you worship God. Good movies don't have to be intentional. Good movies have a weight that is almost hard to carry when you've finished them.

They make you cry when you're at your toughest. They make you humble when you've never been more proud. They open your eyes and show you that it - all of this - is SO much bigger than you've ever imagined.

Good movies show you God - and sometimes they don't even know it.