Finding a Lesson in Toy Story 3

Today I watched Toy Story 3 for the first time. I enjoyed the movie a lot, and it was a great finish to the series. But, putting aside the nogalistic feelings we get from watching a childhood favorite, I found the movie to have a much deeper feel to it. And though I don't believe it was intended, I found a lesson about God and life itself in it.

Before I go any further, it's common courtesy to notify you that if you haven't watched Toy Story 3 yet, and you wish to do so, you may not want to continue reading this post as it contains spoilers. 



Now, before I go into my, "lesson," I think it's appropriate to setup the characters how we see them, so the lesson is a bit clearer. The first character is Andy. In this lesson, Andy (and any other "owner") is considered to represent God. Woody, is going to represent a strong Christian, who believes and trusts God (Andy). The other toys (Buzz, Jesse, ect.) represent weaker Christians. And finally, Lotso the bear is going to represent satan.

If you remember the story correctly, Andy decides to put his toys in the attic; however, he puts Woody in the box to be taken to college, and Woody trusts Andy knows what he is doing. To compare, think of a situation where God may move someone, or change their position in life, and they allow it, because they trust Him. However, the other toys, because of a misunderstanding, decide to do their own thing (go to Sunny Side). This compares to a Christian, or Christians who don't completely trust God, and when He does something the don't understand, they decide to take back control of their own lives.

Now when the toys get to Sunny Side, it's great. They are met by Lotso and told that everything is going to be great and they are a "family." As we know, sin is very appealing and friendly at a first glance. Lotso also brings up the idea that they don't need owners (God), and they can shape their own destiny. Are you starting to get a picture?

After staying only a little while, the toys realize that this place isn't as great as it seems, and they want to go back to Andy (God). A quote by an unknown author, but so true. "Sin will cause you to go farther than you want to go, stay longer than you want to stay, and pay more than you want to pay." As you can see in the movie, the toys really had no choice. They decide to go to Sunny Side (to go against God's will and go into sin) and they were trapped now.

To sum up the rest of the story, with the help of Woody, the toys got away from Lotso, and went back to Andy and followed his decision. God wins, as He always does, and His plan is always fulfilled. In the end, Andy had a plan for his toys, even though they didn't see it at the time.

In conclusion, follow God's plan, even if you don't completely understand it. Yes, your way may seem very good at the time, but you'll find it's not as good as it seems, and you may even get trapped, and taken father than you wanted to go. God has the prefect plan, and He's got you covered, it will all work for the good, just trust Him.

Please, comment with any thoughts ideas you may have!

-Joshua