By all accounts, Pixar has done it againā¦
If you havenāt seen it yet, Inside Out is truly a brilliant film that (ironically) will take you through just about every emotion you have inside your ācontrol towerā as well. I found myself laughing hysterically and struggling emotionally all within a few moments of each other, definitely a filmmaking craft that Pixar has mastered well over the years.
And the premise is fascinating. What if we all had these little emotions sitting inside a room, holding a complete mastery over our thoughts, attitudes, and even actions?
Of course, this begs the questionāare there also little emotions inside the heads of the little emotions we saw in the movie? Then of course, are there emotions inside their emotions too? Lather, rinse, repeat, until we have an infinite regression of little dudes and dudettesā¦
Anyway, I found it interesting that even though this āemotional controlā theory is loosely based on Darwinian theory, it surprisingly reflects the sentiments of the Apostle Paul as we get insight into his āinside outā:
Listen,Ā I canāt explain my actions. Hereās why: I am not able to do the things I want; and at the same time, I do the things I despiseā¦Iāve lost controlāsin has taken up residence in meĀ and is wreaking havoc.Ā Ā I know that in me, that is, in my fallen human nature, there is nothing good. I can will myself to do something good, but that does not help me carry it out.Ā I can determine that I am going to do good, but I donāt do it; instead, I end up living out the evil that I decided not to do.Ā
If I end up doing the exact thing I pledged not to do, I am no longer doing it because sin has taken up residence in me.
Ā Hereās anĀ importantĀ principle Iāve discovered: regardless of my desire to do the right thing,Ā it is clear thatĀ evil is never far away.Ā Ā For deep down I am in happy agreement with Godās law;Ā Ā but the rest of me does not concur. I see a very different principle at work in my bodily members, and it is at war with my mind; I have become a prisoner in this war to the rule of sin in my body.Ā
Ā I am absolutely miserable! Is there anyone who can free me from this body whereĀ sin andĀ death reignĀ so supremely? Ā I am thankful to GodĀ for the freedom that comesĀ through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One! (Romans 7:15-25, The Voice)
I think we all would agree with Inside Outās premise that there is a ācontrol center,ā of sorts, where our emotions reside and exercise great power in our daily lives, but what the movie missed entirely was the supremely important principle of our spiritual lives!
I get why, of course. Pixar isnāt a Christian film production company, and it is owned by the almighty Mouse. Thatās why Iām so glad that Godās Word brings clarity to what the movie missed. We are all like Riley in the movie, but at a deeper level, we are all like Paul in that there is a spiritual battle going on that ultimately controls our emotions.
The problem is that until we trust in Jesus for salvation, there is a dark and sinful entity at the controls that drives us to destructive choices. We may think, feel and do the right things some of the time, but overall, our lives are dominated by separation from God.
But then at the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our control center, and if we allow, He directs our paths and takes charge over our emotions.Ā He seeks to speak truth, peace and forgiveness over our raging emotions and conflicting feelings.
And best of all, He reminds us that no matter who we have been or what we have done, the Father forgives us, loves us, and accepts us as His beloved children, because of Jesusā death and resurrection.
So if you find yourself wondering what is going on inside your head and why you continue to fail again and again, itās not because your ājoyā fell down into a pit and you are ruled by anger or bitterness. The truth is that we are dominated by sin until we accept Jesus as our Savior, then He gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit to come in and create a new destiny for our āinside outā!
Flashpoint: Ignite Into Action
Inside Out reminds us that we have a complicated inside world that can only be redeemed through Jesus, so letās get out and talk to our friends about the One who can help our past, present and future make sense!
Accelerant: Fuel for THE Cause
Pray: Ā Father, thank You that You have delivered us from the curse of sin and the dominance of our sin nature. Help us to give our control rooms to the Holy Spirit and be empowered to share the gospel with everyone.
Read:Ā Galatians 5:17. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
Get:Ā Fearlessā¦Unleashing Godās Fierce Love In Your World. To learn more about the armor of God in Ephesians 6, check out this powerful student devotional from Greg Stier based on the book of Ephesians.
Discussion Guide for Leaders
Want to use this Soul Fuel as a bible study with your students this week? Copy and text them the following: “Emotions got you like a hurricane storm on the inside? Check out this week’s Soul Fuel for some peaceĀ : “
Big Idea:Ā Inside Out is a great reminder of the truth from Romans 7 that we struggle with sin, but the Holy Spirit delivers us!
Key Scripture: Romans 7:15-25
Discussion Questions:
- Which of the emotions dominates your thinking?
- Do you think Pixar’s theory is accurate? Why or why not?
- How has the Holy Spirit helped you in your spiritual battles?
- What other ways couldĀ you apply this Soul Fuel to living for THE Cause of Christ?