Finding Orientation in a Disoriented World: Lessons from the Movie 'Lion'
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Profound Experience of Being Lost
- The Story of the Indian Boy in the Movie "Lion"
- The Importance of Orientation
- The Concept of Worship
- The Commonality of Worship Among Believers and Non-Believers
- Choosing What to Worship
- The Consequences of Worshiping the Wrong Things
- The Power of Worshiping the Right God
- The Psalmist's Return to Orientation in Psalm 86
- Psalms of Orientation, Disorientation, and New Orientation
- God's Covenant and Our Role in It
- Following the Path of Life
- Finding Salvation in Times of Disorientation
- The Role of the Holy Spirit in Bringing Life and Wisdom
- Seeking Wisdom and Guidance in Times of Disorientation
- The Importance of Community and Prayer
- Moving Towards New Orientation and Singing a New Song
- Conclusion
🌎 The Power of Orientation in a Disoriented World
Introduction
In today's world, where disorientation and confusion abound, it becomes crucial to find a sense of orientation and direction. This article explores the profound experience of being lost and the importance of orientation in our lives. Drawing inspiration from the true story depicted in the movie "Lion", we delve into the concept of worship and the consequences of worshiping the wrong things. We also explore the power of worshiping the right God and the transformative effect it can have on our lives.
🗺️ The Profound Experience of Being Lost
Have you ever found yourself in a state of true disorientation? The feeling of being dangerously lost can be profoundly frightening. It shakes the very core of our being and leaves us desperately searching for something familiar to hold on to. The movie "Lion" perfectly captures this experience through the story of a five-year-old Indian boy who finds himself lost on a train, far away from his home. He embarks on a journey of survival and self-discovery, navigating a foreign city where he doesn't speak the language and has no reference points. This gripping tale serves as a reminder of the disorientation we can feel in our own lives and the need for orientation to bring us back to what is real.
🦁 The Story of the Indian Boy in the Movie "Lion"
The movie "Lion" tells the true story of a young Indian boy who inadvertently becomes separated from his family and embarks on a life-changing adventure. As a five-year-old, he falls asleep on a train and wakes up 700 miles away from his home. Stranded in Calcutta, a city where he doesn't speak the language and knows no one, he must strive to survive on the unfamiliar streets. The movie showcases the depth of his disorientation and the immense challenges he faces in his quest to find his way back home. Spoiler Alert: To truly understand the impact of this heartwrenching journey, watch the movie and witness how orientation plays a crucial role in the resolution.
🧭 The Importance of Orientation
In our hectic lives, it's easy to lose our sense of direction and become disoriented. This is where the significance of orientation comes into play. Orientation helps us navigate the complexities of life, enabling us to find our way back when we feel lost. It serves as a grounding force, keeping us connected to what is real and providing a sense of stability. Whether it's the beginning of a new semester or our regular worship and chapel routines, these moments of orientation help us maintain our bearings and avoid getting lost in the chaos of life.
🙏 The Concept of Worship
Worship is an integral part of our human experience. Regardless of our beliefs, we all worship something. It is through worship that we find meaning and purpose in life. In a commencement address, David Foster Wallace astutely observes that everyone worships, and the only choice we have is what to worship. He emphasizes that worshiping anything other than a higher spiritual power will ultimately consume us. Whether we choose to worship money, beauty, power, or intellect, these false gods will never satisfy our deepest longings. True worship, on the other hand, leads us to the one true God who offers us love, life, and a sense of belonging.
🌍 The Commonality of Worship Among Believers and Non-Believers
The act of worship is not exclusive to believers alone but extends to non-believers as well. Worship is a dimension of the human experience that transcends religious boundaries. It is through worship that we connect with something greater than ourselves, seeking purpose and fulfillment. Whether we acknowledge it or not, we all have an innate desire to worship, to find something or someone worthy of our devotion. Recognizing this shared human experience can foster understanding and bridge gaps between people of different faiths and beliefs.
👀 Choosing What to Worship
The choice of what we worship is a deeply personal one, yet it profoundly shapes our lives. Wallace's insight compels us to reflect on our own worship choices. He warns against worshiping money, beauty, sexual allure, power, or intellect, as these pursuits will ultimately leave us feeling inadequate and unfulfilled. When we worship these transient things, we constantly crave more, never satisfied with what we have. However, when we choose to worship the one true God, we find a love that accepts us as we are and offers abundant life. The decision to worship God brings lasting fulfillment and purpose to our lives.
✅ The Consequences of Worshiping the Wrong Things
Worshiping the wrong things in life can have detrimental consequences. When we place our ultimate value in material possessions or physical appearance, we become consumed by a never-ending pursuit of more. The obsession with money and things leads to a perpetual sense of dissatisfaction, always feeling like we lack enough. Similarly, worshiping our own bodies and beauty traps us in a cycle of insecurity and self-deprecation. As time and age take their toll, we face multiple deaths before our final resting place. The pursuit of power also proves to be unsatisfying, leaving us feeling weak and afraid, perpetually striving for control. Worshiping our intellect and craving recognition for our intelligence leads to impostor syndrome, making us feel like frauds always on the edge of being exposed. These consequences serve as reminders of the importance of choosing our objects of worship wisely.
🙏 Worshiping the Right God
Choosing to worship the one true God has transformative power in our lives. When we worship the God who offers unconditional love and abundant life, we align ourselves with the source of truth and goodness. In moments of uncertainty and disorientation, our worship redirects us to what is real and reliable. Just as the psalmist expresses in Psalm 86, naming God's attributes of forgiveness, goodness, and greatness, we too can find solace and orientation in worshiping the God who is faithful. In worship, we find our true identity and purpose, escaping the clutches of false gods that can never satisfy our deepest longings. The words of Peter echo through the ages, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
(Continued in the next message...)
