The big question from Overcomer is: what defines you?
What’s the first thing you use to describe who you are to people? Is it your job title, hobby, character trait or something else? (For example: husband, dad, executive, leader, golfer, runner, boss, busy, overwhelmed, etc.)
Let me share three (3) insights that jumped out at me while watching Overcomer. By doing this, we’ll gain clarity on what should define us.
Overcomer insight #1 : coaching and the importance of identity
Call it “coaching” or “mentoring”, do you see yourself as this? In Overcomer, God gives John Harrison (Alex Kendrick) purpose beyond who or what he thinks he is. His character has his own desires—that aren’t all bad.
We see in this film how God can use us. When everything John has built his identity on gets stripped away and is replaced by something less than ideal, God must step in and help him more than he can think or imagine.
John’s character is powerful. When it’s all stripped away, what are we really? What defines us? Is it a job title? Is it a passion we have? We watch John’s passions be stripped away — and watching on screen might make you consider your why.
At Manhood Journey, we get the importance of mentoring. Kent literally wrote the book Wise Guys about it. We must understand our identity in Christ if we are to serve as mentors and truly help people around us.
What does understanding identity look like for you as a dad? Here’s one example:
Problem: Is your child’s worth wrapped up in making the team, earning good grades or landing the best role in a school play? These things aren’t necessarily bad. But if your child fails to achieve this aspiration, how will he feel—worthless?
Solution: If your child is performance driven, make sure you love them for who Christ created them to be—goal-driven, hard working, self-motivated. No matter their grades or accomplishments, make sure your child knows it doesn’t change who she is or how much you love her.
Overcomer insight #2: the power of forgiveness
James 1:13-17 says:
No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (CSB)
Before Hannah understood her identity in Christ, she made sinful choices by stealing from others and lying to her grandmother. Because she was born into difficult circumstances, we might sympathize and make excuses for her actions.
But ultimately, the problem wasn’t her circumstances; it was her heart. Every person has the same problem. Every person has the same choice. Dads aren’t exempt and need to be connected to God as well.
It’s your turn right now. Will you make excuses and pass the blame? Or will you, like Hannah, turn from sin and embrace your identity in Christ?
The reality is that you’re sinful by nature and by choice, but it’s also true that God is gracious and good. Unlike the desires of your heart, He never changes. The gospel pulled Hannah out of the shadows and gave her a purpose far beyond her physical limitations.
What would finding forgiveness look like in your life? Your child’s life?
Overcomer insight #3: leaving a legacy is about keeping the end in mind
If you leave this movie thinking about anything, it may be like me. I left thinking about my legacy. How will those closest to me think of me after I’m gone?
Us dads will say, “the years are short but the days are long”. How often can we get lost in the mundane and busy and lose sight of what really going on?
Leaving a legacy is about doing two things at once: holding on to present and being mindful of the end goal. If us dads could know the end goal and hold that in our minds—then we might operate in the present with greater clarity, humility, meekness, kindness and dare I say—joy.
If you notice nothing from this movie, notice the gospel of Jesus has the power to change your identity and to give purpose in life. Your identity in Christ makes you a Christian. Being a Christian, your purpose in life is now to serve God, seek Him and follow His will.
No matter what your life has been like, change can be part of it. Paul himself wrote: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, CSB).
Question: How clearly do you understand God’s purpose for your life? Would you answer, “No idea what my purpose is” or “Fully aware of and living out my purpose”?
After the movie: Depending on ages and stages of your children, talk with them asking about: What are some before-and-after changes the gospel has made and is continuing to make in your purpose? How is God continuing to change your thoughts and actions to be more like Jesus?
Watch the Overcomer trailer
The newest movie from the Kendrick Brothers asks the question: what do you allow to define you? If you have trouble viewing the video below, visit here to watch.
Find a theater
Visit HERE to learn more and find a theater in your area. Plan on taking your family to see this movie. You won’t regret it.
Snag your free resource for use after watching Overcomer
Check out the Parent Guide and other helpful (and free) resources available at OvercomerMovie.com that will get your kids talking about the importance of identity—especially your chid’s identity in Christ. With call-outs for kids in elementary, middle and high school, this guide helps you understand the unique challenges children face related to their identity. On the drive home, you can talk about themes from the film.
