UNPACK This...Classic Sports Movies and Timeless TruthSample

The Blind Side

The Blind Side is a movie based on the inspiring true story of Michael Oher. Oher, commonly referred to as “Big Mike,” grew up in an impoverished environment, running from the foster homes he was placed in as a result of his mother’s drug addiction.

One night, Leigh Anne Tuohy spotted Big Mike walking alone in the rain lacking adequate clothing. She recognized him, so she told her husband, Sean, to pull the car over.

She invited Big Mike to spend the night on their couch, and he ultimately ended up celebrating Thanksgiving with their family. As time went on, they continued to offer Big Mike support, and they eventually adopted him.

Among the countless verses regarding generosity in the book of Proverbs, we are told, “It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy” (Proverbs 14:21).

The Tuohy Family was very kind to Big Mike. They voluntarily provided his unmet needs and welcomed him into their home with no intention of gaining anything.

When Leigh Anne met Big Mike for the first time, she was simply motivated by kindness. She had no idea that he’d one day be drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

How about the rest of us? Do we look for opportunities to be generous and to serve because of our love for Jesus … or do we hope that we will receive something in return?

In Galatians 5:13, Paul writes, “You, my brothers and sisters were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

Serving others is what we’re called to do as followers of Jesus, but we must be mindful of our motivation.

Today, let’s serve others because Jesus has given us love and freedom to do so. After all, He’s our example and laid His life down for us on the cross without expecting anything in return!

I’m Luke Heaton, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you for transforming my heart. Thank you for laying Your life down for me. Help me to grow in my love for others and increase my desire to serve. Convict me to flee from the desire to receive something back for my service to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.