5 Biblical Lessons We Can Learn From The Movie UP
Quality: ****
Content: +3 Some minor questionable elements (media-wisdom is suggested to discuss).
UP is a heartwarming animated movie that tells the story of 78-year-old Carl, who sets off to fulfill his late wife’s dream of traveling to the remote jungle of Paradise Falls in South America. He equips his house with balloons and accidentally takes an 8-year-old stowaway along for the ride.
The film brings viewers along for the adventure of a lifetime and is brimming with suspense. While it’s exciting to see a house float through the sky and hilarious to meet a talking dog, UP is a poignant movie filled with rich life lessons. From the promise of eternal love to fulfilling God’s plan for our lives, let’s explore the Biblical truths we can learn from UP.
God Gives Us Hopes And Dreams
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 21:11
Carl and his wife, Ellie, share a spirit of adventure. Ellie carries a childhood dream of traveling to the mythical land of Paradise Falls to establish a fan club for the adventurer Charles Muntz. She illustrates her passion in her “Adventure Book.” The couple works to fulfill her dream and save their coins in a bottle, creating a travel fund.
Much like Ellie, the Lord created us to have hopes and dreams. Jeremiah 21:11 reflects that He has a plan for our lives. When we seek God’s will as we pursue our goals, He guides us every step of the way. It’s important to listen to His calling on our hearts and put feet to our prayers. He has a fulfilling future in mind for all of us when we answer His call.
True Love Endures All Things
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:7
The opening scene of UP offers an emotional view of Carl and Ellie’s marriage journey. We watch them meet as children, fall in love, get married, suffer losses and love each other well into old age. Carl cares for his wife in sickness and in health. His dedication continues when he sets off to fulfill her dream when she no longer can.
It gives a touching snapshot of the Biblical translation of enduring love. The Bible tells us in Corinthians 13:7 that romantic love reflects Christ’s love for us. His love bears all things and is eternal, so we should show the same devotion in marriage. Carl and Ellie’s relationship is a powerful example of a godly married couple.
God Calls Us To Step Out Of Our Comfort Zone
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Carl plans to move to Paradise Falls when his neighborhood becomes unrecognizable from development. Despite the memories of his life with Ellie, he embraces the call to change and releases a plume of balloons attached to his house. Carl pushes himself out of his comfort zone as his home lifts from the ground, opening his life to adventure and growth.
Change can be scary, especially when it requires us to push ourselves. Yet, we can take heart from the message of Joshua 1:9. The Lord commands us to be strong and courageous. There’s no need to be afraid of stepping into His calling because God gives us strength and is with us every step of the way.
Friendship Is A Gift
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17
Carl initially sees Russell the Wilderness Explorer as a nuisance when he first appears on his doorstep. Yet, as they face challenges along their adventure, Carl begins to appreciate and have affection for Russell. The two form an unlikely friendship, giving Carl a much-needed sense of purpose. It’s a lovely example of two strangers becoming true friends.
Friendship is one of God’s greatest gifts to us. Proverbs 17:17 states that we should love and cherish our friends. When we lean on each other in hard times, the Lord blesses our relationships. We don’t have to face struggles on our own. Valuing friendship is an expression of God’s love within us. Life is rewarding when we share our hopes and fears with others.
Today Is Our Greatest Adventure
“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24
UP takes us on a journey through unmet dreams, grief, adventure and renewal. Carl’s story is a testimony that we should not live in the past or let the future pass us by. Living in the moment and treasuring our time on earth makes life more fulfilling. Carl learns to cherish the time he has left to live.
The Bible says in Psalms 118:24 that today is a blessing from God. We should rejoice and appreciate the moments given to us, big and small. Every day may not be joyful, as life has ups and downs. Yet, the more we focus on the Lord and celebrate His creation, the better our days will be.
UP teaches us that our greatest adventure is often right in front of us.
