Cinderella

I can’t help but be mindful of my recent trip to the movies to see Cinderella.  The movie demonstrated some wonderful character traits of God and I would even argue that it was written around a verse of Scripture.  The obvious theme was “have courage and be kind” as it was repeated several times throughout the movie. 

While watching, I became immediately aware of the many times God tells His children to “be strong and very courageous”.  This is usually coupled with “do not be afraid” or “have no fear” which is indicated at least 40 times in His Word.  In order to be kind to someone you have to have a love for them, or at least a love for the righteousness compelling you to be kind, if you are being kind with a pure heart.  There are simply too many references to being kind written in the Bible to list, but the most obvious is written in Ephesians 4:32 as it relates to the plot of this story.  It is written as the first instruction following a long list of things not to do and a character not to have.   

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” - Ephesians 4:31-32

Most are aware of the movie plot.  The most striking aspects of the story are a girl who is grieved without cause, but simply at the cruelty and selfishness from the heart of others.  Another is her uncorrupted heart which endures the pain and shame and yet remains tender and loving and kind.  Then there is her gift of being allowed to do something that others get to do, she is allowed to be equal, but it is obvious she is not equal but much more.  And finally she shows a heart of forgiveness to those who neither ask for it nor deserve it and she enjoys a life ever after in “heaven”.

How many Christian qualities are exhibited in those highlights?  Each one exhibits a Godly character trait described in God’s Word, demonstrated completely in the life and death of Jesus, and commanded to us to have and show as children of the one true God.  I wonder if there could be a more Christian movie so cleverly veiled and openly shown in the current U.S. entertainment industry with no condemnation from the “movie police” who work intently to remove all things Christian.  It is brilliant, whether intended to be or not, but only to those who look for God.  I wonder how many will see God and not know it, and I wonder why more don't see Him in us everyday.