Know Your Place

Recently I watched a couple of films that bore a strong resemblance to one another.  Both had female protagonists who were independent (but had the support and friendship of an animal), were disobedient to authority, and headstrong.  Though the films had different directors, they both emphasised the repeated choices of the heroine in the tales to refuse to do as they were told, to disregard societal norms as despicable constraints, and went on to either kill or become what the masses feared.  Both these girls were visionaries, seeing what other people could not, overcame their naysaying peers, and avoided negative consequences for their rebellious ways.  Following their own hearts and going their own way worked out in the end with their desires being satisfied.

The irony in both the stories was the girls who wanted to go alone couldn't succeed alone--not that they ever came to that realisation.  The parallel plot and themes between the films demonstrated how unpopular it is to submit to authority and "know your place."  The aspirations of the girls was to leave their place behind--not to remain in it.  Both of the films depicted the general population as dragging along, their purpose and delight in life sapped from them by daily labours, beaten down by authority, lived in fear of being in trouble, and those in power saw themselves as superior.  The worst thing to be told was "Do as you are told," as if it was impossible to thrive, succeed, or find fulfillment if one did so.  It was predictable and boring that whenever these free-spirits were told what not to do, they would immediately do that one thing--and never learned any lessons or grew in character as a result of conflict.

When I grew up in the United States, part of the Pledge of Allegiance we daily recited at school reminded us where our place was:  "one nation, under God."  I was blessed to have a place in a country I could call my own with a rich heritage that acknowledged God who created the heavens, earth and all things.  I was also blessed to have a place in a family with parents I was called by God to submit to and obey as Ephesians 6:1-3:  "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: ³ "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."  I was blessed to have younger siblings I was to care for and be a good example to.  I have also been blessed to have a place in a marriage where before God we are both called to submit to one another in the fear of God.  All Christians are blessed to have a place in the kingdom of God, and that Jesus is in heaven preparing a place for us today.  Knowing and embracing my place under God has been the source of great peace, joy and contentment in my life by God's grace.

It is a grief to my soul when I sense the satanic stench of rebellion being posed as the path to satisfaction, fulfillment and success.  When people reject God and His wisdom, they rob themselves of the rich relationship with God He extends to all as they remain enslaved to the dictates of their own sinful hearts.  It is a romantic, fictional construct to imagine people will be most happy doing what they want as they head to ruin rather than living an abundant life in glad submission to God who gives eternal life.  How privileged Christians are to be God's children and His servants who are given us responsibilities and duties to fulfil.  Jesus told a parable about when a master returned home and his servants ensured he ate and drank by their faithful service, and then they would have an opportunity to eat and drink from his bounty.  The is the proper order of things, and blessed are those who know their place and serve our gracious God and Saviour.  He is our life and satisfaction we cannot find going our own way.