A friend of mine in recovery contacted me after hearing that I was looking for ideas for other recovery-themed movies and after seeing one of the movies I edited. At first, when he told me the name of the movie, I was skeptical because of the nature of the film. Yet, as he explained the scripture verse that he wanted me to use in reference to one scene of the movie, my ears perked up and ideas started to flow. As usual, I went overboard on the movie and added other scenes that correspond to other scripture verses but that can be related to the film and theme as a whole. Another thing I liked about editing this movie is that it is one of my all-time favorite science fiction / horror movies. I’m wondering at this point how many are reading this text versus skipping to the movie or for those reading it, if they have any idea which movie I am referencing. The movie is Alien. “Did he just write ‘Alien’ as the movie that inspired the topic of this post?” For those that do not like Sci-Fi movies or have never heard of this movie, below is a short description of the film:
A mining vessel, Nostromo, sent to investigate an SOS distress call encounters an alien that begins to kill the crew members one by one.
To my friend and me, this movie is really an allegory for what Christians deal with every single day on their way “home” to heaven from earth. We are told in scripture by James that every person is tempted by their own selfish desires and if we allow the desire to conceive and sin because of these desires, then it gives birth to a spiritual death. In recovery, we are tempted to sin just about every day whether it be through lying, stealing, cheating, excessive lustful thoughts, or sexually immoral activity. Another point of this film is to show how our sin, even if “only pornography and masturbation that doesn’t hurt anyone” (/sarcasm) can and will affect those around us. In this movie, one man’s sin becomes a hideous monster that destroys the rest of the crew of the Nostromo except for one who stands and fights against “temptation and sin” as all Christians are called to do. In real life, our sexual sin can and will affect those around us, our closest relationships, our family, our friends, our jobs, our ministry, etc… It has the capacity to destroy all of those things if we choose to give in to our temptations and sin. What James precedes the warning with is a blessing for the man who is tempted but does not sin. This is something we should all strive for, to not sin when tempted, as we walk this 80 or so year journey home to Heaven.
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. – James 1:12-15
