9 Spiritual lessons from Toy Story 3

Finally, got a chance to watch Toy Story 3 with my hubby the other night :). Such a wonderful surprise date night done by my hubby:)

Anyway, since I used to watch Toy Story & Toy Story 2, I am super thrilled to find there will be the final version of it. (dunno whether they would be tempted to do the fourth installment like Shrek or not).

And this is will be my first post about 'other' ramblings.

Watching the movie makes me laugh...a lot:D Yet there are touching moments, and I realized the moment I walked out of the movie theater, there are some spiritual lessons which we can learn from Toy Story 3.

SPOILER-WARNING: If you haven't watched, better go watch before you read further. If you have watched, let's check it out:

1. Every being has its own purpose, defined by its Maker.

Even toy has its own purpose. And if toy, which made by human being has its own purpose and destiny, wouldn't us as the human being has? And the purpose and destiny is not something it invented by itself, but given by its Maker. Toys are made to be with the human owner.

2. The purpose is to be there for the Owner, not only to be played with.

I am really struck when I heard this statement (who says toy have no spiritual wisdom? :P) I guess we can say that toy's happiest and most fulfilling moment is when they got played by the owner (play in a good way of course, not damaging ways). However, they realized being toy does not mean being played all the time. There will be playing times and there will be non-playing times with the owner.

In spiritual realm, most of us thrilled when we are 'used' by God. When we are able to fulfill our most longing desire, which most would equate serving the Lord in a fruitful ministry. However, we do not realize that in the first place, we are created to "be there" for Him. Serving is part of our relationship with Him, but it is not the main thing. The main thing is that we are created for Him and to be with Him. So if today, you don't feel that you are 'being played with', do not be discouraged. Do not even trade the thrill of 'being played with" (a.k.a. success in ministry) with 'being with' (a.k.a. abide with Him). Even a toy can learn to accept this wonderful truth :)

3. The destiny seemed to be better for independence in the first place, but eventually, to be with your rightful Owner is the best destiny of all.

Contrary to the toy, we are not rejected or neglected by our God in the first place. However, we are being lied to (by the enemy) about His intention toward us. The similarity here is the response. Reacting to the rejection (or even the misunderstanding of the rejection), the toys choose the independence way.

"I will learn to care for my own, no need to cling to my Owner anymore."

"No owner, no heartache."

Sounds familiar? In the beginning, and even up this point, human race has chosen the same path. Independence from the rightful Owner. And look how terrible condition we found ourselves in. Just like the toy which found themselves in horrible condition without its owner, we can also see ourselves there. Our independence bring worse destiny than what we hope for in the beginning. (I really wonder why the toys reflect our condition so much, may be because we're the one who created it? :P)

4. It is never too late to return to your Owner, even when you had made a wrong decision to leave Him.

OK, the owner of the toys do not know the toys made a decision to leave Him. But our Owner does. However, we can learn that it is never too late to return from the toys. Hey, if a toy can feel sorry and return, what about us?

5. Beware of dwelling in the heartache, because the root of bitterness may take place in your heart.

If you watch the movie, you will certainly know this is the reason of the main villain choose to be evil. His heartbreak over the disappointment with his owner caused him to be a villain.

6. Bitterness is contagious; when you choose to feed on your bitterness, it is not only affecting you and your own world view, it is also affecting the people around you as well.

The main villain demonstrated the effect of contagious bitterness. Because of his bitterness, he caused so many toys lived in heartache and misery. How about us?

7. There is always hope, even on the verge of hell.

This one referring to the most tense scene in the movie. The toys are at the brink of fire. The fire somehow reminds me of hell. And we learnt that the toys almost didn't make it to survive. Yet they survived, because...

8. To be saved from hell, you can not rely on your own, you need help from above.

Somebody saved them from above. The toys trying hard to save themselves, even to the point of pulling each other, but the force which bring them to the fire is greater than their own power to run from it. Finally, they realized they come to an end of themselves, and ready to face the destruction. However, help comes right on time. One of their friend is out way up there, from above. Yup, the help is from 'above' :) (we also have Friend in the high place-you know, and He'll save us from the fiery hell as well, right on time :)).

9. What looks good on the outside, may not be good inside.

The main villain outer part is soft, and he love to hugs a lot too. And smell wonderfully good (strawberry). Yet, on the inside, he is mean and bitter. Guess we can't judge toy from its appearance, can we?

OK, I ended here, but I am looking forward for those who have watched to add on the lessons above. Any spiritual lessons you learn from the movie? Kindly add, I am waiting for your comments :))