The movie Divergent took in a whopping $56 million during its weekend debut. My daughter begged for weeks to see it. At first I wasn’t so sure it would be appropriate. After all it is PG-13 and she was 12 at the time. After watching the previews I agreed and was pleasantly surprised. It was a great movie! The whole premise of Divergent is that everyone in society must choose a faction or group. Each group is responsible a certain contribution to society and each member is expected to conform to the group. This system is supposed to keep peace and keep everyone under control. But there are some who are known as Divergents. Divergents don’t fit into one category exclusively, but instead have traits of many. Because of this, they cannot be controlled. They are feared so much, they are killed if discovered. Sound familiar?
Divergents are like Christ and if we are Christians, we should be divergent too. Christians don’t fit into any one category, but have traits of many. Christians are brave, like Dauntless. Since the beginning of time, Christians have proudly claimed their faith even in the midst of ridicule, persecution, and even execution. It takes bravery to take a stand against wrong in a world where everything is made to be right. Christians are peaceful, like Amity. We try to bring about peaceful resolution even in the most turbulent of conflicts. Christians have refused to resort to violence even when they have been kicked, beaten and maimed.
Christians are intelligent, like Erudite and selfless like Abnegation. It takes intelligence to figure out ways to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it takes selflessness to deliver the Gospel to people all over the world. The Bible itself has been translated and shared in over 400 languages. Christians are continuing to use technology, science and literature to help those in need of Christ and in need of the basics to survive.
Lastly, Christians exhibit honesty, like Candor. Christ always told the truth no matter what the consequence. Christians today strive to follow in His footsteps. This proves difficult in a world that values situational honesty. To be honest with ourselves and others is a challenge that many of us continue to grow in daily.
Jesus was (and still is) brave, peaceful, intelligent, selfless and honest. He was all of these things while in the flesh, and is still these things today in spirit. If we are followers of Christ, we must be divergent as well. We can’t have just one (or too much or too little) of these traits or we’ll become unbalanced. Too much intelligence, and we become arrogant. Too much bravery, and we become reckless. Not enough honesty, and we become liars. If we are too peaceful, we become pushovers, and if we’re too selfless we’re always in need. It can be difficult to keep all of these traits in balance, so when we’re not sure, we should find out what Christ says. Pray, read the Word, and deepen your relationship with Christ. We need you to be divergent!
Angela Whitehead is an administrator, author, wife and mom. She encourages and inspires young ladies to live a Christ centered life. For more information please visit chttp://www.write4queenz.com
