PERSPECTIVE
The armour of God part II
By Joseph Lunani
As I write this , I am smiling to myself as flashes of Jackie Chan ’ s movies with this title run through my head . He is not only a talented actor but an amazing script writer . He built his incredible repute against all odds to become the most celebrated Chinese Actor in the late eighties , nineties and even today . His rise to stardom was almost an accident as he could not express himself fluently in English and was not as tall as Bruce Lee . His middle-class background almost made him a non-starter . His life story spins like a blockbuster movie .
I think each one of us has the creative genius in us . If we could tell our stories there would be the hilarious comedy , awkward monologues , riveting romance , thrilling action and horror scenes . Jackie Chan did the first Armour of God movie in 1986 . Someone could argue that there was nothing goldy about that movie but there are valuable lessons hidden therein . He then did a second part of the movie in 1991 .
The comic relief moments in both movies are as refreshing as each sunrise . We are all captivated by the smile Jackie exuberates . His gait comes out as genuine as mothers ’ milk . His vulnerability is relatably tangible and as innocent as a baby ’ s fart . He seems to always find himself in precarious situations and makes his main goal to live and let live . He does good even in the most dangerous of moments and delicately carries a selfless human side even when his life is at risk . Jackie Chan ’ s character in the two movies is saintly .
In this article I will try to relate the movies lessons against godly principles as shared in the bible not only in the book of Ephesians but in
Proverbs , Psalms and a few others in between .
Understudy Others
We never start from the top ; we are born incapable of anything and most vulnerable . As we grow , we are trained in the ways of those around us . We then imitate most of their actions and embrace the cultures ’ presented to us . We inculcate the traditions we live through and configure our aspirations and character within our communities , we first speak the tongue spoken around us then adapt to the other languages we interact with . By just one look someone can tell with almost 90 % accuracy where we come from . The stereotype of our behaviors , accent and beliefs sells us out .
In the same wake we can therefore , authoritatively say that we should understudy what we desire . Understudy the best companies of the world . Those that treat their clients with respect . Those that have amazing quality products . Those whose profit policy is not punitive . Those that have raised more leaders and entrepreneurs than average selfish workers . Those that win in peoples ’ hearts and their well-being .
Jackie Chan understudied the great actors of his time . He worked under Bruce Lee and many top directors as an extra , double , stunt-man , grips man among other roles . Most of those earlier roles are behind the scenes or “ silhouette ” in nature where you are not seen or heard and if lucky you are obscured in the shot . He quietly learnt , he monitored and trained himself in their winning ways .
Take up the challenge and be willing to learn from others that are ahead .
The most outstanding of bible characters were patient to learn under others even the most difficult of persons . Daniel , Elisha , David , Peter , John , Paul among many others . Winning is never an accident . If it is then it will definitely not last .
Be available , then be reliable
There is a very disturbing phrase in the bible that wakes me up each time it goes as “… if no one praises God then stones will …” This means if we do not do what God directs us to do then he will use what is “ available ”! Most of us are aware of another bible phrase that says “ God ’ s eyes are forever roaming the earth in pursuit of those that worship him in truth and in spirit .” Does it mean there are no people who love God ? Does it mean there are those who worship him in vain ? I believe this is a call for us to be available to extend God ’ s love in our day to day lives more so our businesses .
“ Fimbo iliyo karibu huua nyoka ” This Swahili saying emphasizes the availability principle . Are you available to solve other peoples ’ problems ? Is your product readily available ? We have all heard of the famous teaser that coke can be found literally anywhere in the world . Even where communication is wanting , where there are no roads or even formal shops . The Coca Cola company has largely grown by their unique distribution model . They go to great lengths to make their product available to anyone who needs it . That increased reach makes them sell above competition .
Most of us are not the very best at what we do or cannot be termed revolutionary genius . We have grown in our respective trades and careers for being available . Available to troubleshoot , available to tinker
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MAL 44 / 21 ISSUE