Finding Purpose and Joy: Lessons from Soul (2020) through a Biblical Lens

Life can often feel like a quest for meaning, much akin to Joe Gardner’s journey in Pixar’s "Soul" (2020). Have you ever found yourself wondering about your life’s purpose or seeking joy in the mundane? You’re not alone. Much like Joe, we may chase dreams, only to realize that genuine fulfillment often lies in unexpected places.

It’s fascinating to draw parallels between the themes presented in "Soul" and timeless biblical principles. This devotional seeks to explore those connections, offering insights and reflections that encourage a deeper understanding of purpose, life, and spirituality.

Understanding Your Unique Calling

Joe Gardner, a middle-school music teacher, dreams of playing jazz professionally. His journey represents our pursuit of passion and purpose. Similarly, the Bible speaks about the importance of recognizing and following one’s calling. In Ephesians 2:10, it says, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

• Discover Your Gifts: Reflect on what drives you. What are the unique talents you possess? Just as Joe loved jazz, find joy in discovering your passions.

• Embrace Your Journey: Our paths may not always lead where we expect, but every experience shapes us. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." Trust that God’s guidance is leading you to fulfill your purpose.

The Value of Everyday Moments

In "Soul," an unexpected journey to the Great Before helps Joe realize that life’s beauty lies in its small moments. 22, a soul-in-training, learns to cherish these everyday experiences, symbolizing a biblical principle seen in Ecclesiastes 3:12-13: "I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God."

• Cherish Daily Joys: Practice gratitude by appreciating the simple things around you. What small blessings have brought you joy today?

• Cultivate Thankfulness: Creating a gratitude journal can help you embrace thankfulness. Like 22, find beauty and wonder in life’s routine moments.

Finding Purpose in Service

Joe’s interactions with 22 highlight the joy of helping others discover their path. In Matthew 20:26-28, Jesus teaches, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

• Serve with Love: Consider how you can use your skills to bless others. Acts of service bring purpose and fulfillment.

• Mentor and Uplift: Encouraging and guiding others can lead to profound joy. Who can you invest in today to help them realize their potential?

Embracing Transformation

By the end of "Soul," both Joe and 22 experience profound transformation. Joe learns that life is about more than achieving dreams; it’s about living purposefully. Similarly, 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

• Welcome Change: Allow yourself to grow and evolve. What changes can you embrace today to foster spiritual growth?

• Renew Your Mind: Romans 12:2 encourages, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Reflect on how you can align your thoughts with biblical truths.

Reflection and Personal Connection

Take a moment to reflect:

• What passions or interests make you feel alive, much like jazz did for Joe?

• How can you find joy in the small, everyday moments?

• Who in your life can you serve or mentor to help them find their purpose?

Conclusion and Call to Action

"Soul" teaches us that life’s beauty lies in the journey, not just the destination. By embracing our callings, serving others, and finding joy in the everyday, we align ourselves with God’s purpose for our lives.

We invite you to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments. How has a biblical perspective helped you discover your purpose or find joy in the ordinary? Your insights may inspire others on their journey.

Remember, every soul has a unique purpose, crafted by God, to illuminate the world. Let your journey reflect His light and love.

If you want to see how ANY movie relates to Biblical principles, please try our Movies and Scripture GPT. Simply key in any movie and let it show you insights you might not have realized otherwise!