Evan Almighty

Last Sat, I watched Evan Almighty on the big screen. Here's a short description of the comedy movie.

"A newly elected congressman, Evan, was tasked by God to make an ark. He risked his career, his family and basically, his life to get the ark done. And because of what he has done, he was able to save the lives of his family, colleagues and neighbours from a broken dam."

The whole movie is full of funny jokes. I can't stop laughing throughout almost the whole show. But beyond the laughter, I do feel that this show does have some lessons that we can learn from.

1. Courage
When Evan received the calling from God to build the ark, he devoted his life to it. Despite people (including his colleagues) laughing at him, he continued. At one point, even his beloved family left him. Yet he persevered on.

Courage - to do the right thing even if the people around you do not understand.


2. Love
Evan's family drew together to do this apparently 'silly' act of building the ark after God enlightened Evan's wife.

"When you prayed to God for greater intimacy within the family, do you think God will just give you the intimacy? Or do you think that God will give you an opportunity for this to happen?"

Evan's wife realised that this whole thing about building the ark can help bring the family closer together than even before. She brought the children back to Evan, and the 5 of them went on to build the ark together as a family. That is love.


3. Kindness
In the show, it was repeated a few times. How can we change the world? We can change the world by doing acts of kindness one at a time. Always be a blessing to those around you. Don't be calculative.

And when you do that, the atmosphere around you in the workplace, school or classroom will change positively. People will be smiling more and be more cheerful. Don't wait for someone to give on to you. Be that somebody who gives.