As a young boy, I was thoroughly entertained by the original film production of The Wizard of Oz. There are some important life lessons to learn from this 1939 cinematographic success loosely adapted from L. Frank Baum’s classic tale, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
The film certainly influenced many young children of this past century in America, and undoubtedly other cultures as well. It continues to be televised every spring — possibly for its cheerful multicolored cinematography.
Over the past century, some claim political, religious and social agendas led to Baum’s writing this magical story of a young girl in Kansas being swept into The Emerald City with the assistance of a killer cyclone.
The wizard fancifully might well represent a past U.S. president bent on convincing his subjects that he embraced great power, when in reality he possessed little power at all.
History can repeat itself, but let’s limit our discussion to three unique characters — a scarecrow, a tin woodsman and a cowardly lion who all befriend Dorothy on her quest to return to her Kansas farmhouse. In my opinion, these three characters can teach us much about life.
Let’s first take a look at the Scarecrow — an interesting character who seems unable to make wise choices and, according to Dorothy, can benefit from joining her to ask the Wizard for a brain on his behalf.
Of course, the Wizard does answer his request with, of all things, a diploma! In my years on this planet, I’ve run across some with many diplomas who may have gained knowledge, but lack wisdom and good sense.
God’s Word certainly speaks to this need for wisdom. Psalm 111:10 exhorts, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”
It would be wonderful if all would come to realize that nothing is more important than our relationship and trust in our Heavenly Father.
The Tin Man was faced with a problem of continual rust, but his greatest issue detected by Dorothy in the film was his lack of a heart. Baum’s original woodsman in the book was not made of tin — so his metallic nature probably evolved during an early theatrical production.
Of course, these days we can look at him as a futuristic, robotic phenomena of the 21st century. Certainly robots do not have a heart or emotions. And a distinct difference between animals and humankind is our compassion for others.
In Psalm 119:1-2 we’re told, “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.”
The Cowardly Lion certainly does not fit our image of the King of Beasts. In fact, the whole idea of a timid lion seems quite pathetic.
Obviously, Dorothy rightly prescribes what this beast needs: a good dose of courage. This will not come from a medal or a badge of courage as prescribed by the Wizard, but from being encouraged by others.
Unfortunately, many are constantly discouraged by those influencing their lives. As Christians we need to draw courage from our Heavenly Father and those who follow His ways.
As the Body of Christ, we must follow the instruction found in Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how we can spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Yes, these characters were quite something to behold, and it is still easy to root them on to victory. I’m convinced they represent many in the Church who appear lost and struggling for purpose and direction.
I pray that we might come to recognize those in need, take them by the hand and lovingly lead them to victory in Christ Jesus, our Savior and Lord!
Passages to Ponder
— Jim Langley has been writing for more than 30 years while working as a life and health insurance agent in Santa Barbara. In recent years, his passion has turned to writing about his personal relationship with God, and his goal is to encourage others to draw near to Him as well. As a longtime member of CBMC of Santa Barbara (Christian Business Men’s Connection), he started writing Fourth Quarter Strategies columns in 2014, and he now reaches an international audience through the CBMC International devotional Monday Manna. He can be contacted at jim@fourthquarterstrategies.com for more information. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.