By Michael Ritchie
The scene opens with Forrest getting on the bus for the first day of school. Though Forrest failed the entrance exam, his mother wanted him “to have the same opportunities as all the other kids.” After introducing himself to the bus driver, Forrest tries to find a seat with some difficulty.
One boy says to Forrest “Are you stupid or something?” Forrest repeating what his mother always taught him, “Stupid is as stupid does” There you have it in a nutshell. It is more important what we do than how smart we think we are.
His mother’s advice helped him through his entire life. In our day of higher education, we would do well to listen to this advice ourselves. It seems we are creating a bunch of over-educated fools. Familiar with many facts, but secular in our beliefs, loose in our morals, hedonistic in our approach to life. Many a brilliant person has wasted their lives, their talents, and opportunities to really impact our world for good, only to sell out to sex, drugs, and rock & roll. Some even have their lives come to a premature end due to some risky behavior. I think of Senator Chris Christy talking about his friend and colleague from Harvard Law school who graduated at the top of his class to become a very successful Lawyer. He got hooked on oxycodone after a back injury and, instead of getting help, he died homeless on the streets, losing his career and family.
Forrest knew he didn’t have what it took to be successful in life, so he listened to those in authority over him and did what they told him. What Forrest lacked in mental capacity, he made up in speed. As part of the Alabama Crimson Tide, he was on the kick return squad. Bear Bryant (Fictional) watched Forrest run back a kickoff for a touchdown, knocking over the band members on his way to the locker room. “He must be the stupidest guy I have ever met but boy he sure is fast!”
Another scene Gump was in the military. His staff Sargent was having the platoon tear apart their rifles and put them back together. Forrest beat everyone in his group. “Private Gump, what is your sole purpose in this army?” Gump replied, “To do whatever you tell me to do, Seargent, sir!” Amazed the Seargent said, “Gump, you are a genius! I would recommend you for officers’ school if it wouldn’t be a waste of such a fine soldier.”
In our world of no right or wrong answers, in our anything-goes society, where do we find the right path, how do we know what is good and right?
Proverbs 5:7 says this: The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making the simple wise
Another verse Psalm 119:9 says:
How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to Your precepts]. Amplified version.
Wisdom is defined as the soundness of an action or decision regarding the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
Many today have the knowledge, but do not know how to apply it ethically, morally for the good of others or society in general. The result is smart criminals looking to further their own bank accounts or agenda.
“I have read the Bible, but I don’t understand what I am reading.” I have heard people say. This is a legitimate complaint. The purpose of the Bible is multifaceted and can’t be understood without God’s help.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraided not; and it shall be given him.
In another place it says: 1 Corinthians 2:14
But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Therefore, if we ask God to help us understand the truth of the Bible and the intend of our heart is to do what it says; God promises to give us wisdom!
Jenny told Forrest when he is afraid in the war “Just run-away Forrest” and Forrest listened and saved his life and the life of many in his platoon. We need to listen to God and do what he says, and we will find it will be the wisest thing we have ever done in the end.
Stupid is as stupid does. Have you been making bad decision after bad decision?
This is my Bible:
I am who it says I am
I can do what it says I can do
I am going where it says I am going
God’s Word: is life and breath to my soul
milk and meat to feed me
seed to help me grow in my faith
a path that I can follow
the light to guide my way
the rock on which I stand
When I: read God’s Word it brings me joy
study God’s Word it brings me wisdom
memorize God’s Word it purifies my heart
quote God’s Word it defeats my enemies
meditate on God’s Word it anchors my life
I am a Bible believing follower of Jesus Christ!
Next week “Run Forrest Run:” Gump’s take on integrity.
