Disney's Aladdin and God's Grace

Who thought one might be able to see theological truth in an animated Disney movie? Being a big kid at heart, I enjoy animated movies. Aladdin is one of my favorite Disney animated movies and while recently watching it, I saw what I think is a great illustration of the freedom we have in Christ.

The Genie (voiced by one of my favorite actors Robin Williams) is an all powerful genie with "fantastic cosmic powers!" with an "itty bitty living space." He is a slave to the owner of the lamp. The one who rubs the lamp is granted three wishes. He must grant them whatever they wish albeit with some exceptions. In the same way humans are born as slaves to sin. Romans 6 is the correlating passage from scripture. It calls us slaves to sin, and before we know Christ we are indeed slaves to its power. However, Paul goes on to tell us in verse 22 that we have been made free from sin and have become slaves of God!

Does that sound like a good trade? One form of slavery for another? I think most would say no thank you. But in the movie, which obviously it was not pointed out in this way, I see this truth played out in an animated movie. For his third wish, Aladdin wishes for the Genie's freedom. You see the Genie celebrate and be as ecstatic as he can be. But as he is making plans to see the world, he looks at Aladdin and a moment of solemn truth comes over his face and that's when it struck me. He may be free from the lamp, but he is still a slave to Aladdin and the loving kindness that Aladdin showed him by wishing for his freedom. It is not a slavery that binds one to duty and pain, but a slavery of love and kindness.

In the same way, we who once were slaves to sin are now slaves to the one who freed us. Not to pain and duty but to love and kindness and a freedom that we never knew before. Before, sin had power and sway over us so that we would not do that which is right, but in Christ we receive the power and freedom to do those things which are pleasing to God. In this way we are still slaves, but not to a cruel taskmaster who wishes to harm us. We are now slaves to love and the one who loved us so much that He gave His life for my sin and yours and Jesus offers this gift of slavery to any who would repent and turn to Him for salvation.

God's blessings to all who read.