Talk (Rivalry / Zoolander)

Note this talk is a variation of Lisa's rival

Talk Introduction

Tonight we are going to talk about rivalry
This comes is many forms:
- Between brother – sister
- Friends
- Sport
- School
- Girlfriend / boyfriend
- Possessions
- Business
To get us thinking about this, we are going to watch a clip from Zoolander
The film is about two rival supermodels, Zoolander and Hansel
[Play Zoolander]
- scene 3 – 3 min 30 the awards
- scene 4 – 12 min 30 “stop at the red door”

The middle bit

Zoolander is a film about two rival supermodels…they have both won top awards for what they do…
Have you ever won any awards / competitions?
What does it feel like to be good at something?
- What kind of things / subjects do you find easy?
What subjects / things do you find hard about school?
- What would you like to be better at?
The film starts with Zoolander and Hansel arriving at the VH1 awards
Zoolander thinks he is there to pick up another award…but it doesn’t work out like that
How did Zoolander react when Hansel won the award?
How do you think he felt?
- he felt jealous, envy…foolish
- he began to doubt himself
It was a major blow for him…he was the best…
This gets to Zoolander and it nearly turns to blows…
Let’s watch another bit from the film…
[Play scenes 16 – 17 / 37 min – 45 min]
Zoolander challenges Hansel to a walk off…a competition to see who is best…
Hansel went to extraordinary lengths to win…
To some people winning is all that matters
What do you think?
- somebody is always going to be better than you
- Some people think competition is a good thing. Some people think it’s a bad thing. What do you think?
Why do you think Zoolander wanted to be better than Hansel?
- Status / to stand out
The Bible warns us…
Galatians 6:3
”If anyone thinks he is important when he is not, be is only fooling himself. Each person should judge his own actions and not compare himself with others.”
Why does the Bible tell us not to compare ourselves with others?
- It’s unfair…we’re all different
- We are all better at something’s than other people…
- Men v women
The Bible also tells us in James 3:13 – 15
”Are there those among you who are truly wise and understanding? Then they should show it by living right and doing good things with a gentleness that comes from wisdom. But if you are selfish and have bitter jealousy in your hearts, do not boast. Your boasting is a lie that hides the truth. That kind of “wisdom” does not come from God but from the world. It is not spiritual; it is from the devil”
What’s wrong with boasting?
People who boast are always talking about themselves!
The Bible tells us to be humble…like servants…put others first
Phil 2:3 – 4
”When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honour to others than to yourself. Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.”
Life is not about me!
What is pride?
What does it mean to be humble?

Conclusion

Eventually, Zoonlander realises that Hansel is a good guy and that there is more to life than modelling
However, he went though a lot to realise that
In the same way, I hope we all realise that you are not just as good as your last exam result...your friends…whatever…you are far more valuable!
Whether we are good or bad the bible says that God accepts you:
Romans 15:7
"Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other…"
We should live our lives with that in mind
God wants us to live our lives for him and other people…not ourselves
to see our rivals and ourselves as he sees us…and if you do that, you won’t have to boast…other people will do it for you!
Romans 12:15-16
“Be happy with those who are happy, and be sad with those who are sad. Live in peace with each other. Do not be proud, but make friends with those who seem unimportant. Do not think how cleaver you are”
[Pray]

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