5 Biblical Lessons We Can Learn From FINDING NEMO
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Quality: +4 Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.
FINDING NEMO is a delightful animated film about a nervous clown fish named Marlin who sets off on an adventure to find his son after humans snatch him from the Great Barrier Reef. The rescue mission takes him on a journey to Sydney, Australia. Marlin overcomes his fears with the help of new friends he makes during his travels to bring Nemo home.
While FINDING NEMO is a beloved children’s movie, there are lessons beneath the surface. From the importance of obedience to trusting the Lord to keep our children safe, Marlin and Nemo’s story holds many Biblical truths. Let’s dive into the messages Christians can discover from the film.
Be Obedient
“But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:5-6
Nemo is a willful fish who not only rolls his eyes at his father but disobeys Marlin’s direct order when he swims into open water to touch a boat on a dare. Of course, his disobedience gets him into trouble when he’s swept up by humans and forced to live in a fish tank in a dentist’s office. His unfortunate fate teaches us the importance of obedience.
Much like Nemo, we are given Biblical guidance in 1 John 2:5-6 to obey God’s word. While we aren’t tiny fish stubbornly swimming into dangerous waters, Christians face everyday temptations. We should resist giving in to our willfulness and live as Jesus did. In doing so, God’s love shines through us.
Love Drives Out Fear
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
Let’s face it. Marlin is a bit of a mess. He’s overprotective and afraid, to the point that he smothers his son. Yet, when Nemo goes missing, Marlin overcomes his fears to rescue him. The journey is long and has potential dangers around every corner, but his love for Nemo helps him conquer his anxiety.
1 John 4:18 says there is no fear in love because perfect love drives out fear. Marlin’s love transformed his journey. Christians can take heart, knowing God’s love empowers us to overcome life’s obstacles. We can walk boldly instead of hiding behind our fears.
Just Keep Swimming
“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7
Marlin meets a loveable fish named Dory during his adventure. Anyone who has seen the film has probably found themselves singing Dory’s encouraging song, “Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. What do we do? We swim, swim.” Dory has an impressive amount of wisdom for a forgettable fish.
The words found in 2 Chronicles 15:7 tell us to persevere when faced with a daunting task. We must keep going because the Lord rewards determination. If we stay the course and keep moving towards our goals, God carries us to the finish line when we turn to him for strength.
Teamwork Makes The Dream Work
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
Nemo also makes new friends in P. Sherman’s fish tank. A cast of underwater characters band together to help Nemo escape and reunite with Marlin. Meanwhile, Marlin teams up with Dory and finds help from Crush the Sea Turtle and Nigel the Pelican (who flies him to the dentist’s office). The father and son duo rely on others to bring them back together.
The Bible says in 1 Peter 4:10 that the Lord gives everyone gifts and that we are to use those gifts to serve others. When we help our fellow man, we show God’s grace within us. Not only are we called to lend a helping hand, but we can also rely on others to help us achieve our goals. It’s a powerful testimony when Christians team up to carry out God’s will.
Trust God With Our Children
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Marlin only sees the dangers of the ocean after watching his wife succumb to a barracuda attack. Unfortunately, his fears cause him to shelter Nemo and keep him from gaining independence. His nervous energy creates a rift between him and his son, which pushes Nemo to give in to peer pressure and touch the boat. We all know where that gets him.
Being a parent in this scary world full of potential dangers and temptations for our children can be challenging. Yet, Philippians 4:6-7 tells us not to be anxious but to hand fears over to the Lord in prayer. We find peace when we pray for the Lord’s protection over our children. While sending them off into the world can be terrifying, parents can release their grip, knowing God is with them.
The Biblical lessons found in FINDING NEMO are priceless. We can accomplish great things when we just keep swimming and lean on our friends. Giving our fears to the Lord and obeying His word gives us peace and strength. Who knew we could learn so much from a nervous clownfish and his rebellious son?
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