Star Wars Episode 1 - Your Life as a Futuristic Sci-Fi Hero

There's something about Star Wars that has captivated audiences for decades.  Since it's first release, audiences have flocked to see every installation in the nine part saga (yes, there are nine - six released, three unfinished), and they continue to flock as each update comes out.  And while it's not specifically based around Christianity, there's a lot of parallels that we as Christians can draw from it.

First off, I'm going to be using information beyond the movies - background information that most people don't know/don't care to know about star wars, so bear with me in this.  Don't worry though, we'll start with the basics.

The Jedi, in the Star Wars Universe, were the protectors of the republic, the heart of the galaxy representing peaceful, prosperous civilization.  Originating on Tython, a core world in the heart of the galaxy, as a philosophical study group, their purpose was to study what was called "The Force" at that point a concept, more than a fully conceived energy source.  However, another group also evolved with them - the Sith.  Following their own version of the force, Boca, they philosophically opposed the Jedi.  Where the Jedi focused themselves toward peace, knowledge, understanding, and compassion, the Sith viewed the force as a method to overpower and overcome their enemies, fueling their passions to give themselves strength.

Over thousands of years, the Jedi remained prevalent in the galaxy, always standing for the morals and values they established on Tython.  The Sith, on the other hand, struggled through the millenia with infighting between the lords of their orders.  With a philosophy bent so fully on destruction, deceit, and power, it was impossible for them to truly excel.

We, as Christians, can take a lot from this history, because it points towards our own.  Think about what we are called to strive for - what Jesus stood for.  He stands out as an example of compassion, empathy, courage, and humility.  It is obvious to see throughout his life - healing the sick, making the blind see, loving the invisible and unloved.  What people don't notice though, is the battling he does with the devil.  He spends forty days in the desert locked in combat with Satan, being tempted and won!  And he stands right there and calls you to do the same and follow him!

Ephesians 6:10-13 says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."  Armor is a tool for fighting!  Not for living an ordinary life.  We have been radically transformed as followers and asked to fight for our God on a spiritual and physical level, fighting the devil in our lives through the overcoming of temptation and sin, and recruiting more people into His army!  In my mind, what the Jedi do is a physical representation of what we, as Christians, should be striving for - actively fighting the hold the devil has on our lives and on the world.

While Star Wars isn't a perfect representation of what Christianity, as with all my posts, it presents examples, little flashers that we can use to look at how we're directing and living our lives.  Are we living a life in which we earnestly fight the power the devil tries to hold over us?  Are we calling on and relying on our brothers and sisters in Christ to aid us?  Think about what you live for as you go through your day today.