I saw the movie “A dog’s life” the other day.  I enjoyed it.  It wasn’t quite as sad as “Old Yeller” or “My dog Skip.”  When I watched “My Dog Skip” I was at home by myself.  I cried like a baby.  It was good but really sad.  As I said, this movie was good too.  The movie does suggest that all dogs come back to life over and over again, reincarnated to experience life with another human.  For that reason, you may have to remind yourself that it’s just a movie.

The movie reminded me of a conversation about faith I had once with someone on the capitol grounds. They were sharing with me that spiritually speaking they were drawn to the idea of reincarnation.  I asked this person what it is about reincarnation that appeals to them.  They replied they liked the idea of being able to start over and have a “Do over” as many times as it takes to “get.it right so they could go to heaven.”

After listening, I acknowledged the appeal of being able to start over and have another chance to get things right so that one can get to heaven.  Then I shared what God’s Word says about those concepts.  God knows we all make mistakes and all of us could use a chance to start over and have “do over” to try and get life right.  God also knows that even after life time after life time of trying, we would still get it wrong in some way and still be separated from Him because of our sin.  And He tells us in His word that this life is the only shot we have (Heb 9:27).  The good news is that we don’t have to get everything right to go to heaven.  When it comes to getting it right, Christ did that for us.  He lived a sinless life and gave His life on the cross for our sins; whoever places their faith in Him will receive forgiveness and have everlasting life.  God does offer us a fresh start, a “do over.”  He offers it right now, in this life, through a relationship with Son.