If you Google this title you will get an array of movie clips and articles with the same name, including this one. I recently rewatched this classic 90’s movie and I have come to discover that we watchers are in a similar conundrum as Bill Murry’s character Phil was. Each day we awaken to not being in Christ’ likeness, and that day we get out of bed for is another day, and opportunity, that we must embrace and live for God’s glory; all while wanting to be with the Lord, who we love. To be clear, the phrase, ‘to be in Christ’ likeness’ comes from the psalmist who penned,
“With Your hand from men, O Lord, from men of the world who have their portion in this life, and whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure. They are satisfied with children, and leave the rest of their possession for their babes. 15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.” – Psalm 17:14,15
In the movie, Phil wanted to win the affection of the beautiful Rita. He did everything that he could to win her over. It wasn’t until he discovered that he had to die to himself and serve others that her affections toward him would be won. In the final ‘temporal loop’ Rita bid on Phil in a fun human auction funder raiser auction later that February 2nd evening and he was able to prove himself to her.
In like manner, every day we awaken and we are not in Christ’ likeness, it can be like it was for Phil in that movie. We want to be with the Lord whom we love, but we are still in this world, showing that same love for the Lord to others. It’s got to be the most selfless thing that we can do; to love others from our lack. I suppose in a practical sense, the Lord told us that if we wanted to be the greatest in His kingdom, we needed to be the servant of all. Jesus told us that if we wanted to gain our life, we needed to lose it by denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Him. Three verbs that speak to the end of the means that Phil took in this movie. It wasn’t until he reached that place where the only benefit from the temporal loop that he was caught up in was to learn from the previous days’ experiences, good and bad, and to make the needed improvements as he moved forward. The memories from the previous days were the blessing that was afforded this fictional character. The producer of this movie was asked, how long was Phil in the loop? His answer was between 30 and 40 years. That’s how long it would have taken him to learn and do all of those things. I got to thinking, I’ve been living my life the better part of 62 years and I am still learning new stuff. Each day is different, but each day matters. What I do and learn builds into my experiences which improve my serve for the next day; and some days are better than others. At least we get to remember our previous experiences, good and bad, and can learn from them as we move toward our eternal home.
I want to encourage you in your walk as we continue through this high watch month of October 2026. I am planning stuff for November and December and on into 2027; but my heart is in heaven with Jesus and all those who love Him. I will do my best to be my best and make the necessary improvements on my life as I move forward each day. I am not saved by my works or good decisions no more than you or anyone else is; however, our good works are a reflection of our love for the Lord and our longing to be with Him. If you find yourself saying, ‘I just want to go home,’ more than not, it’s probably because you do. I encourage you, were almost there. Keep the faith man (lady) of God. One of these days we will awaken in Christ’ likeness. Until then, make you bed, brush you teeth, read your Bible, pray, and get out there and live your life for Jesus.
Maranatha
