This week on Geek Devotions Dallas discusses one of the most iconic Disney villains, Scar. with the recent release of their newest classic adaptation, Disney has given us a whole new view at Scar and his origins. In this, we learn something very interesting… Scar has been marred by more than Muffasa’s paw, but he’s been scarred by his bitterness.
Disney’s latest remake of one of their classics was a photorealistic CGI version of “The Lion King.” This new rendition was close to being a line by line, shot by shot remake of the animated classic. We say nearly because, in the midst of it, they made some changes to clear up plot holes and adjust for things they simply could not do with the medium they were using. One addition to the story was an interesting line given in the scene where Mufasa is confronting Scar.
Mufasa: Are you challenging me Scar!
Scar: […] I would never challenge you; again.
With that line, we realize that Scar had at one point challenged Mufasa for the kingship of the Pride. It also heavily suggest that his unique marking comes from that confrontation. I would suggest, however, that Scar has a more significant scar than the one his face. No one would deny that Scar was absolutely bitter about his situation and that bitterness has left a more massive “scar” on his heart and soul than his face. Bitterness is an ugly thing that will destroy you and hurt the people who love you. We are explicitly warned in scriptures to avoid bitterness because of what it can do in a person’s life.
See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;
Hebrews 12:15 (English Standard Version | ESV)
This passage is very clear about not allowing bitterness to take root and destroy you. We have to learn to do something challenging, let go. YES, it’s difficult at times, especially if you feel like you’re not in the wrong.
A great example of this is David in 1 Samuel 18, King Saul (note in our episode we accidentally said Solomon) became jealous of David and tried to kill him. David literally had to dodge spears being thrown at him by a person he loved, respected, and honored. Even though by all human standards, David had the right to be bitter, attack King Saul, put all of Saul’s evil out for the world to see; but, he didn’t do it. Instead, he let go of the bitterness and moved on.
Remember; your bitterness does nothing towards the person who hurt you, it just hurts you longer.
That said, in our illustration, Scar’s bitterness comes from being corrected. We don’t know what his original plan was for the pride-land, but we do know that when he took over, things got bad. More than likely, his original ideas weren’t so far off from what happened. His bitterness is actually a matter of pride.
So how do we handle bitterness that’s rooted in pride? Learn to take correction. Scar’s refusal to take correction led to bitterness that caused him to make what was probably worse decisions than he originally planned on. But if we are willing to humble ourselves, we can become who God has called us to be.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
James 4:10 (English Standard Version | ESV)
So our challenge to you this week is this: Search yourself. Have you allowed bitterness to creep into some portion of your life? Repent and allow God to restore you. Allow God to make you whole again. If you’d like to chat with us about what’s going on in our life or just want us to pray with you; feel free to reach out to us.