Thoughts from Narnia

Recently, we, Carlsons, visited the Franklin Institute to see the Narnia exhibit that was shown there. It was a really enjoyable family day, and the exhibit was great. I was struck by the amount of detail put into the props for the Narnia movies - particularly Prince Caspian. Lord Glozzelle's chair from the throne room was carved front and back; Miraz's shield had the entire story of Old Narnia etched into the rim; Pruniprismia's dress had lovely lace and embroidery. Further, specifics from the books had been preserved to the minute detail. We were able to see the book "Is Man a Myth?" from Tumnus' living room; Mrs. Beaver really did have sewing machine on set; Edmund's flashlight and Peter's pocketknife were all there just as the book had described. This was exactly what the movies are - Precision without accuracy. Lucy eats an apple in the ruins of Cair Parvel, and Tarvar and Alambial salute in high heaven, coming so close that it looks like they're about to collide. Even the Bulgy bear sucks his paw during the dual. But something was missing. Where was Aslan?

I don't mean to unduly pick on the Narnia movies, because they are very enjoyable. However, they made me think, and I realized that it isn't just in the Narnia movies that this happens. Our lives can sometimes be just that - precise but not accurate. We keep all of God's commands. We spend time reading our bible and praying. Every church activity is faithfully attended. But something is missing. Where is love for Jesus? Why are we keeping all His commands? Is is just because we would feel empty otherwise? I certainly was convicted in my own heart that I often keep all the rules with no desire to glorify God. I do my school and chores without any thought of the Savior who commands us to glorify Him in everything. Indeed, we must not remember the details while loosing the big picture. Oh, we must keep His commandments, but for the right reasons. "The greatest commandment is this that you love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." and "whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Let each of us be Christians characterized by having the heart of the matter in us, and then, including all the details.