Once Upon A Time: Identity and Spiritual Amnesia

Tonight is the season finale of Once Upon A Time on ABC.  The basic premise of the show is that the Evil Queen gets her revenge on Snow White by a curse that transports all of the fairy tale characters to our world- "someplace horrible"-a world without magic.  Even worse is that they have all been given false memories.  They don't know who they are.  In fact, they act, in many ways, contrary to their true selves.  The bold warrior princess Snow White is changes into a timid, mild mannered school teacher.  Brave leader Prince Charming is reduced to an indecisive wimp.








Not knowing who they are, being deceived by false memories, they act and live false lives in monotony (time has been frozen) and for 28 years, nothing much happens.  Physically, all are well.  Life continues without major tragedy, illness, or poverty.  But, in a way, their souls are sick.  And this is, in many ways, worse than physical problems.

It's the same way with us.  If you are a child of God- a Christian- you, like me, probably suffer from frequent bouts of spiritual amnesia.  You forget who (and whose) you are!

For example, when I sin, I feel guilty.  Guilt is not a bad thing.  When convicted by the Holy Spirit, we should run to the father seeking forgiveness and restoration.  But, instead of running to the Father, I do the exact opposite.  Wallowing in guilt, sadness, and self-condemnation.  I forget that I'm His child. As God's child, He is infinitely more gracious and forgiving than us.  I forget that because of Christ's sacrifice, God is pleased with me.  I forget that "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Rom 8:1)

Return of the Prodigal Son, Rembrandt

That's one of the reasons why we have church each week. To remember.  To encourage and remind each other who we are and Who God is.  It's so easy to forget (and that's also an effect of a curse in the real world) and not knowing who we are is truly "someplace horrible"- an awful place to be.

Don't forget to enter the Kroger Gift card giveaway (and help Jefferson Street Baptist Center) and the other giveaways I have posted at the top of the blog!