Movie Mayhem with God Part 8: The Ides of March

Alright, a final movie to wrap up for 2012. Sorry, for only writing it now as I think it's most probably off from the theatres by now, though for those determined ones, you can still try your luck with Cathay. Good luck!

My feelings towards this movie are very mixed. I had watched it as early as 10 weeks ago and was utterly dejected when I walked out. Not disappointed with the movie. In fact, it was a great movie. I had gained another two actors to follow (Ryan Gosling and George Clooney). More of disappointed with myself as I knew how much I could relate to Ryan Gosling's character in the film. I was greatly in danger of being totally disillusioned and jaded with my work then... Yup, Ryan Gosling's character ends up that way, after a series of tumultous events which totally changes his outlook towards what he had believed in and served so passionately then. I do not wish to give spoilers, so please check out the film at your DVD shop three months later or try your luck at Cathay cinemas asap...

I'd like to delve deeper into where I think Ryan Gosling's character had gone wrong in the start, which would ultimately lead to eventual disappointment no matter what. He was worshipping and serving people (which includes not just his colleagues but also himself) and the work itself, not God. Ok, very difficult to explain what is the difference, but to just to simplify matters, he idolised people (himself and/or others) and the work itself.

However, no matter what or who we idolise, we'll eventually end up being disappointed with it or them, period. Simply because they are not God. Thus, they will have the capacity to fail and disappoint. Just as God blessed us with them, we must keep in mind that they are from God, but they are not God... I know this is very hard to explain in concrete terms... To get a bit of relevant support, maybe this blog of mine "Work ≠ War" may help shed more light unto what I'm trying to get at...
http://workneednotencompasswar.blogspot.com/

We just have to keep our focus on God. Then everything will be alright. Period. It is by no coincidence that 2012 begins on a sunday. Sunday is Sabbath, basically a day of rest as decided by God himself. Let's all give ourselves a good rest on the first day of 2012, so that we can focus on God for 2012, and leave it for Him to pave the way for us. All we need to do is make sure we look out for his voice and obey his words. It's always about God, never about how, what, why, us, them or it...

but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
Exodus 20:10-11 (NIV)

What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.
Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 (NIV)