The Three Musketeers

It's all for one, and one for all! That reminds me of something...

I love The Three Musketeers!!

The 1993 version of the movie (featuring Keifer Sutherland) is one of my favourite movies of all time. The new release of The Three Musketeers (in 3D!) was different, but I really enjoyed it. It was exciting, fun, romantic and not too predictable. The sword fights and filming were impressive. The 3D wasn’t a pain or distraction. And as like most movies these days they have left it open for a sequel.

Here's a few thoughts that came to mind after watching the movie.

We all believe in something

Near the beginning of the film, D’Artagnan, hopeful of becoming a Musketeer, has just arrived in Paris only to find the three Musketeers a bit washed up. Having failed a previous mission and been replaced, they have lost all purpose. So they just drink, fight the cardinal’s guards and drink some more. As they sit in their house Aramis explains how they believe in fighting for a great cause, however the three Musketeers have no cause left.

They now just work regular jobs. Porthos suggests that Aramis should again train to be a priest. Aramis dismisses this idea but maintains his commitment to pray for everyone he kills. When questioned why, he replies:

“I want them to have peace. We all believe in something - even the worst of us”

We do all believe in something, you just have to work out what that is. What do you believe in? What motivates you? What gives you purpose? Is it money? Friends? Career? Status? Sex? Knowledge?

Those things above will only give temporary or unfulfilled purpose. When we die, they count for nothing. I believe that Jesus Christ gives us the ultimate purpose for life. He knows what is best for our lives. Following Jesus gives me real, full and lasting purpose in this life. Lasting peace. Total satisfaction. That purpose does not pass away, it gives me hope and life even after I die. Eternal life!

Here’s how the Bible puts it: "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever" (1 John 2:17).

All for one, and one for all!

One of the great things about being a Christian is that we don’t do it alone. Christianity crosses all boundaries of race, language, economic status and gender. God has given us other Christians to support us, help us ‘fight the battle’ of temptation and make it to the day Jesus returns. We ought to have the attitude of ‘all for one and one for all’ with each other. Everyone as important as each other, sacrificially serving one another in love.

Jesus displayed this kind of attitude most when he came to earth and died for us. One for all. One man dying for the sins of all mankind. 1 Peter 3:18 says: ‘For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.’

So now we must all submit our whole lives to serving him. All for one. He is our King, the King of all creation.

Aramis was looking for a great cause. There was one right before his eyes. Saving people from certain death and judgment from God. Pointing back to the only one who can save us and give us peace: Christ Jesus.

Want to be musketeer? Live with purpose. The greatest cause of all is following Jesus, and helping other Christians live for him too.