Audacity and Success

I have not yet seen "The Pursuit of Happyness," but I have heard positive things about the movie, which stars Will Smith. Based on a true story, the film follows the journey of a struggling salesman who takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor. The Point highlighted this portion of an interview with Smith:

What have you personally had the audacity to hope for?

WS: It feels weird for me to talk about my audacity of hope in the framework of Chris Gardner’s life. I’d have to say no, I’ve never had any hope as audacious as Chris Gardner. But I’ve had situation where there’s no reason to believe that things are going to turn out the way that they’re going to turn out. When Jada and I got together, that period in our lives, there’s no reason for us to be successful in our relationship. There was a whole lot of obstacles lined up for us not to make it. And to me, even on that small level, we always say that divorce can’t be an option. Because if you allow divorce to be an option, there’s absolutely one day you’ll check that box. So it’s audacious to remove it as an option. It just isn’t an option. That’s not one of the choices that we have, no matter what happens. And that type of audacity is what it takes to make things successful.

Wise words. How many times do I fail to have the "audacity" to simply stand up and do the right thing? As the new year approaches, I hope I will look at my walk with God in this way. Yes, following Christ and living by His commands is audacious — even seemingly impossible — by the world's standards. I have even been called arrogant for choosing to believe the Bible's truth. But I agree with Mr. Smith: this kind of audacity is necessary — not only for success in life, but for success in eternity.

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. —Matthew 16:24-25

P.S. Has anyone seen the movie? What did you think?