Dory’s ballet troupe just ended a wonderful run of their interpretation of “Beauty and the Beast.” They did a terrific job, especially one certain young lady that I know. (Proud Dad moment.) It was a bittersweet time for her and us as this was probably the last performance for Dory with Ballet Arts. Growth. Progress. Change. It’s that season in our lives.
The story has been around for ages, dating back to the 1700’s. There have been a number of film adaptations and multiple variations on the story. Of course, the animated Disney version has become the gold standard, with the possible exception of their recent live action version. It’s a stereotypical fairy tale where true love conquers all, especially a spell of enchantment cast over the castle and its inhabitants. A conceited, egotistical prince turns away a beggar who (surprise!) is an enchantress who curses him to be a beast until he can learn to love and find someone to love him in return.
The inherent morals are fairly obvious and are relevant to us as Christians as well. As the beggar at the door proved, never judge someone by their appearance. History abounds with examples, not to mention the Bible reminds us that we might just be “entertaining angels.” In this age of deceit and scams, it’s easier to be suspicious and hardhearted than to stay generous and benevolent. The kind and pure hearted Belle thought of her father’s well being before her own and took his place in the dungeon. In the end, Belle looked beyond the exterior of the Beast and fell in love with him.
The bottom line in this analogy is that we are the Beast and Jesus is the kind hearted Belle, if you will. No matter what we may look like or better yet, think we look like – kind, giving, righteous, holy – all our righteousness is “as filthy rags” compared to Jesus. It is only through His love that we are transformed from a hideous beast into a person presentable to God. He doesn’t break a magic spell but instead transforms us from the inside out into a new creation. One day then, we will dance down the streets of heaven into His welcoming embrace.
Until our next togethering,
love ya,
Bret
