"Seven Pounds"

Have you seen the movie "Seven Pounds?"

(If not, and you intend to see it, DON'T READ BELOW until you have. I don't want to spoil the outcome for you!)

I recently went to see it and it broke my heart. It made me stop and think about the many people living every day with guilt and regret wondering if there's any possible way to make it right.

This film is a classic example of the post-Christian culture admitting that the world is not the way it's supposed to be and that sin has consequences. Will Smith did such an amazing job of conveying the main character's sorrow, pain, and his desire to make things right. The crushing tragedy of the movie lies in the realization that his attempts to atone for his own sin were in vain. They did nothing for his guilt and pain and in the end cost him his life. Only Christ's blood can pay the price for sin.

The other question the movie leaves us with is whether or not Smith's character had the right to take his own life, especially if doing so would benefit another. Our post-Christian culture teaches that we belong to ourselves, that "man is the measure of all things." We can determine for ourselves what is right and what is wrong. ( This is also reflected in Smith's criteria for determining which of his prospective beneficiaries was "worthy.")

In contrast, Christians believe that we are "not our own" and that we were "bought with a price." We belong to God our creator. He alone is sovereign over life and death. Placing ourselves in the position of God is the pride of idolatry- the ultimate sin. The worst tragedy of "Seven Pounds" was that in trying to atone for his sins, the main character ends up committing the ultimate one.

If you haven't seen this film, I highly recommend it. It will provide many opportunities for serious discussions with your friends and family.