The movie Hacksaw Ridge is based on the story of Desmond Doss, a combat medic in World War 2. As a conscientious objector, Doss refused to carry any weapons because of his religious convictions about killing, but he still chose to serve on the front lines. On the Japanese island of Okinawa, American troops had to climb a cliff in order to try and capture the battlefield at the top. The Americans had to retreat back down the cliff, but Doss stayed up and brought many wounded men back from the battlefield and lowered them down the cliff. Evading Japanese soldiers, he was able to save 75 injured men.
The example of Desmond Doss paints a powerful picture of how Christians should live. We have a completely different motivation from the world, so our actions should be very different as well. We should object to evil and injustice and refuse to sin. God has given us a calling and conviction to live in a way that forces the world around us to take notice. Based on the example of Christ, 1 Peter 3:8-12 shows us a few ways the Christian life is noticeably different from the world.
8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” – 1 Peter 3:8-12
- Christians should be united in humility
We are called to live for God and not ourselves, so we should live in unity with other believers. We are willing to put others first, even if it brings suffering, so that we can bring glory to God. We follow the example Jesus set by going out of our way to love and bless others, even when we are hated by the world.
2. If you want to see good, then do good
We know that sin has consequences but goodness comes from God. Desiring a good life will not lead to apathy but to intentionality. We should actively strive to live well and reject sin as we seek to shine the light of righteousness into a dark, sinful world.
- God listens when we listen
Having a relationship with God is a two way connection. Our prayer life will be greatly hindered if we are closed off to God’s instruction and not living in obedience. Growing closer to God requires spending time in Scripture so we know His character and commands, and going through each day with an awareness of His constant presence and guidance.
We know that sin is not rewarding but following God is good. He has saved us so that we can live in righteousness, so let’s shine His light to the world and live as conscientious objectors to sin.