What the Toy Story Movies Can Teach Us About God
Introduction
Today, I want to explore a message that bridges our faith with a beloved series of films—the Toy Story movies. These stories, filled with humour, adventure, and heartfelt moments, also carry profound spiritual truths. Let’s dive into three key lessons that Toy Story can teach us about our relationship with God and how we live out our faith.
Point 1: The Value of Being Chosen
John 15:16 (NLT) - "You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name."
In this passage, Jesus reminds His disciples that they were chosen by Him, not the other way around. This choosing is not just for privilege but for a purpose—to bear fruit.
The Greek word for "chose" (??e???at?, exelexato) signifies a deliberate and purposeful selection. In Toy Story, Andy’s toys are chosen and loved by him, which gives them their sense of identity and purpose. Similarly, God has chosen us and loves us deeply. This gives our lives meaning and direction. Just as the toys find their worth in being Andy’s favourites, we find our worth in being God’s chosen ones.
Think about Woody’s pride in being Andy’s favourite toy. It’s not about his own merit but about Andy’s love for him. Likewise, our value comes from God’s love and choice. We should embrace our identity in Christ, knowing that we are chosen and loved beyond measure.
Tim Keller once said, "To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is a lot like being loved by God."
Point 2: The Importance of Loyalty and Friendship
Proverbs 18:24 (NLT) - "There are 'friends' who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother."
This proverb highlights the difference between superficial relationships and true, loyal friendships. True friends are steadfast and supportive, closer than family.
The Hebrew word for "sticks" (??????, dabaq) means to cling or adhere firmly. Throughout the Toy Story movies, the loyalty and friendship among the toys, especially between Woody and Buzz, exemplify this kind of steadfast relationship. These friendships remind us of the loyalty and faithfulness God calls us to in our relationships. We are to be friends who stick closer than a brother, reflecting God’s unwavering commitment to us.
Recall how Woody goes to great lengths to rescue Buzz in the first Toy Story movie, despite their differences and initial rivalry. This loyalty mirrors the kind of friendship we are called to offer. Let’s be friends who support, uplift, and stand by one another through all circumstances.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "The first service one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening to them. Just as love to God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them."
Point 3: Redemption and New Beginnings
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) - "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
Paul speaks of the transformative power of being in Christ. Belonging to Christ signifies a new creation where old things pass away and everything becomes new.
The Greek term for "new" (?a????, kainos) indicates a fresh, unprecedented beginning. In Toy Story 3, when the toys face the possibility of being discarded or forgotten, they ultimately find redemption and a new beginning with Bonnie. This reflects the redemption and new life we receive in Christ. No matter how lost or broken we feel, God offers us a fresh start and a new purpose.
Think about the toys’ journey from despair in the daycare centre to the joy and love they find with Bonnie. This transformation is a beautiful picture of the new life we have in Christ. He takes us from our places of brokenness and brings us into His glorious light.
Max Lucado says, "God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus."
Conclusion:
The Toy Story movies teach us about the value of being chosen, the importance of loyalty and friendship, and the beauty of redemption and new beginnings. These themes resonate deeply with our Christian faith and remind us of the love, commitment, and transformative power of our relationship with God.
Call to Action:
This week, reflect on how you can embrace your identity as God’s chosen, be a loyal friend, and live out the new life God has given you. Let’s allow these truths to transform us and shine through our lives.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the lessons we can learn from stories like Toy Story. Help us to embrace our identity in You, be loyal and loving friends, and live out the new life You have given us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Go forth, dear friends, living out these divine lessons with faith, love, and hope!
