Three cheers for me! I finished the entire Star Wars series, and if that doesn’t impress you – well, it should! ~smile~ For some reason, I have avoided watching the Star Wars series in its entirety for many years citing that I am just not a science fiction person. And though I’m still not a science fiction person (I will probably never learn Klingon or send my kids to space camp), I am proud to have experienced one of the highest grossing and most beloved series of all time. Most of all, I am glad to finally know what people are talking about when they quote Yoda. ~smile~
The final movie, watching it now after knowing the back story, was moving – especially the end. I was proud of Luke for resisting the strong pull of the dark side. His father didn’t resist. He could have easily followed in his father’s footsteps, but he stood against the dark side! The scene where Luke was being tortured and electrocuted by Lord Sidious reminds me of when Job said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15). Luke was willing to die to not go over to the dark side; whereas, Job was willing to go through anything, but refused to curse God.
What struck me most about this final movie was the power of relationship. Even though Darth Vader was committed to pursuing evil and furthering the power of the Empire – in the end, his love for his son won him over. Luke never gave up on his father; he believed there was good in him, just as his mother, Padmé, had believed. They were proven right when Darth Vader intervened and saved Luke from being killed by throwing Lord Sideous overboard. (Though, considering how seemingly easy it was to kill Lord Sideous, it did seem odd to me that he had been in power for so long.)
Before Luke knew that Darth Vader was his father, he hated him – as any rebel would. After realizing that Darth Vader was his father, his heart changed. He wanted him to leave the dark side. Even when our loved ones disappoint us, we still love them and want to see them turn and make the right choices. It is heartbreaking to watch someone you love walk down a path of destruction.
In marriage, we can bring great positive change to our relationship simply by refusing to give up. Refusing to go to the “dark side” with our spouse, but committing to love our spouse whichever side that person is on. Your influence, prayers, and constant love do make a difference. Standing firm against evil is the loving response, not giving into unrighteousness – even, if it doesn’t seem that way at the time. Your significant other may try to convince you that if you loved him or her, you would engage in any behavior that was pleasing to him or her. But, unconditional love and a firm stand in your faith is what that person really needs to see from you.
It was so precious to watch Luke and his dad look at each other moments before Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker) passed away. Luke took off his dad’s mask, looked at his hideous scars, and then heard his dad tell him to tell his sister (Leia) that there was some good in him. Seeing Darth Vader save Luke and kill his mentor shows the power of his love for Luke. What else could have possibly caused him to go against his mentor and the evil that drove him?
The love you show to your future spouse through prayer, respect, selflessness, and devotion can be the vehicle the Lord uses to draw your boyfriend or girlfriend to Himself. God’s love flowing through us is powerful. God’s kindness does indeed lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4).
If you are dating someone who is heading down a dark path, I would advise you not to continue towards marriage unless there is a clear turning (i.e., repentance) from sin on his or her part. Scripture clearly indicates not to be yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). However, once you are married, if your spouse starts down a dark path, I would encourage you to not give up on your spouse. Fight for him or her in your prayers. Pray for his or her spiritual protection and restoration. Scripture tells us that the only good we have is through Christ, so pray that your spouse will repent, put trust in Christ, and that God’s goodness will come alive in him or her. If your spouse is placing you and your kids in danger, it’s okay to seek shelter away from the danger; but, continue to believe and pray for for his or her salvation.
If you haven’t seen all of the Star Wars movies, I’d encourage you to do so, if just to experience a part of our pop culture. If you can’t watch them all in a row, pick one a week or month until you work through them all. They were a lot more interesting than I expected and the storyline does parallel the life of a believer fighting against the darkness of this world (Ephesians 6:12).
Happy watching – and may the Force (or, rather, the grace of God!) be with you.
How have you seen the power of God’s love change you or someone in your life?