Hope and Perseverance in Trials - My thoughts on George Smiley

Recently, I watched a movie 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy', an espionage film based on a novel. Though I didn't like the worldview of the movie as a whole, yet one character which was admirable for me is George Smiley. George Smiley is described as a boring, melancholic, clumsy man with an expressionless face. Though he was an efficient and a honest field officer, yet he was looked down even by his subordinates. In-spite of all his achievements, he was thrown out of the secret service along with his superior officer. On top of this, he had a very problematic wife. Yet, he sincerely proceeded in the unofficial task for which he was entrusted with. I was wondering the reason for his perseverance in his honesty. I think he would have believed that truth will win one day.

Dear Christian, are you feeling lonely because you are loosing friends since you are faithful to God? Are you depressed because of the trials which you are facing for the sake of your righteousness? Are you not popular in your college because of the right choices you have made? Have you been denied the promotion you deserve because of your honesty? Hear the blessed words of our savior.

Jam 1:2-4
Testing of Your Faith
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
(ESV)

Rom 5:3-5
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
(ESV)

Beloved Christian, rejoice in your suffering because suffering produces endurance, hope, character and steadfast love for the Lord.

1Pe 1:6-7
6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
(ESV)

Our blessed Savior uses temptations to test our faith. Only those who love the Lord truly will endure trials. If you are still trusting the Lord for your faith even in the midst of these trials, then your faith is genuine. Not only suffering is used to test your faith but also for your sanctification.

Christian, do you think you are unjustly suffering for all these trials? Remember the words of our Savior.

Jn 15:20
20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master. ’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
(ESV)

Again this is a sign that you are in the Lord. The reason the world is opposing you is because the world is evil. Just like how evil Karla persecuted Smiley for his honesty, you will also be turned down by the world because it is vile. Also remember that your temptations has been measured by God so that you can endure it.

One day we all will be glorified since we have partaken in the afflictions of Christ.

Jn 16:33
In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
(ESV)

In the end, Smiley won. Honesty triumphed. If a secular movie can give positive hope for righteousness, how much more should we be hopeful of the promises of our Lord? Let us therefore trust in the Lord's faithful words in the midst of our sufferings.

Heb 11:26
26 He (Moses) considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
(ESV)

Let us also be like Moses and other heroes of faith and steadfastly look forward for a greater reward in heaven. May God bless you all.