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Jun 08, 2023 06:00am

Dwarfs or Disciples

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“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” – Philippians 2:14 (NIV)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has always been a children’s favorite. The characteristics modeled by Dopey, Doc, Bashful, Grumpy, Happy, Sneezy, and Sleepy are easy for us to identify by their actions and words. You might be surprised to know that “Blabby, Dumpy, and Hotsy” didn’t make the published list.* (Well played for sure.) Today’s version might be more akin to: Offended, Entitled, Intolerant, Selfish, Biased, Divided, and Broken. Why the shift? Perhaps global whining is also at the pandemic level these days. Sadly, the ones often throwing the most negative confetti seldom stick around to sweep up their mess.

William Arthur Ward says, “A complaining tongue reveals an ungrateful heart.” Ephesians 5:1-2a reminds us, “Therefore be imitators of God, as well beloved children walking in love…”

So, why the common disconnect?

Let’s be honest. Which dwarf or disciple do we tend to embody? Mute buttons may be the “go to” reflex for zoom meetings, but perhaps not for believers navigating challenging personalities. Our best default setting always starts with Him, is empowered by Him, and glorifies Him. Why not spritz a heavenly fragrance released by the prompting of the Holy Spirit instead of unloading mace with an earthly attitude? When you and I are tempted to complain with first world problems, let’s choose not to see our glasses as half empty. Let’s stop and pour into a smaller glass and delete the urge to whine.

Snow White can definitely teach us some principles about risk management and collusion with sketchy characters, but life doesn’t always wrap up as neatly as a fairy tale. What the “happily ever after” believers receive from our Prophetic Prince is guaranteed, captivating, undeserved, and eternal. So don’t act like Bashful, Dopey, Grumpy, or even Offended. Pack for all you need in Heaven…and that’s Grateful and Forgiven!

*”The Names of the Seven Dwarfs and How to Tell Them Apart”, Elise Xavier (09/2020)