I was talking with my friend the other day and we were discussing how pleased we’ve been with Christian media content lately.

The Christian entertainment industry has really stepped up its game in the last several years, so much so that film releases are beginning to rival big box Hollywood films.

The Sound of Freedom, Jesus Revolution, and the theatrical release of season 4 of The Chosen are just a few of these Christian media films and tv shows that have had a wide reach among the United States population.

I find myself being convicted more and more about the content I watch. How great is it then, that so many good Christian movies, tv shows, and books are being released. So often in the past these Christian films fell flat and on the border of cheesy, but creators are investing their talents to bring glory to God by releasing such great content that inspires and teaches Christian values. 

Just last month my mom and I decided to have a movie night and we weren’t sure what to watch. We logged in to Netflix and began searching. Netflix’s algorithm has already adjusted itself to my content preferences and Christian and faith-based films are now at the top of my list. It was amongst these choices that we settled on the film Greater.

Before we get into it I just want to stop anyone now who wants to see the film without spoilers, so before you read on….

SPOILERS

This was an amazing sports film about the late great Brandon Burlsworth who dreamed of playing college football at the University of Arkansas.

The film portrays Burlsworth’s life from young kid to college adult. He played football in high school and decided he would try as a walk-on to the University of Arkansas’ Razorback football team.

He had one year to prove his worth to the Razorback team so that he could get a scholarship and continue. He did just that, and started as a walk-on to all-American offensive lineman of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

The movie gives light to how dedicated Burlsworth was to achieving his dreams and also how true he stood to his faith. The movie depicted Burlsworth as having no natural talent, but through his hard work and perseverance he achieved every goal he set for himself. He even finished a master’s degree while playing football at U of Arkansas. 

After college he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts to play professional football for the NFL.

Tragically, before he was able to play in the NFL he was killed in a car accident on the way to take his mother to church. He was faithful to the end.

What I love about this movie is how the actor was able to capture Burlsworth’s true character. It was said he always put his faith first and others above himself. In the movie you can see that he was a kid that others bullied at first, but once you got to know him you couldn’t help but be caught up in his light and love for others. 

I also liked the way the movie really showed how hard Burlsworth had to work for the goals he set. Nothing came easy to him, so he worked harder than everyone else. The hard work paid off not only by him reaching his goals, but also by being an inspiration to his teammates. 

Burlsworth reminds me of Paul’s letter to Timothy when he tells him, “Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.” 2 Timothy 2:6-7. In this passage Paul is speaking about being good soldiers for Jesus. Grace is given freely, but it does take work on our part to persevere as a light to the world. And Burlsworth was an amazing example of a good soldier for Jesus. 

The film Greater was truly that-great, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for quality Christian film.