Biblical Messages in Wreck-it Ralph

I love it when you’re watching a movie or television program and suddenly the story line or the characters delve into something that’s a deeper truth. You know, something that’s completely unexpected and probably unintended, but shares a powerful message.

I’ve seen Wreck-It Ralph several times over the past few weeks but when I was watching this past Sunday, several things hit me all at once about the story. If you haven’t watched the movie yet, there will be spoilers ahead – so consider yourself warned!

Okay – still here? Let’s go.

Everyone here says I’m just a mistake and that I wasn’t even suppose to exist!

 The Bible says that satan is the father of lies. (John 8:44) In Wreck-It Ralph, King Candy holds that honor. He went above and beyond to ensure that he would stay at the ‘top of  his game’ even to the point of rewriting code and destroying memories.

Satan is the same way. He’ll stop at nothing to make sure that we are sidelined, tripped, dropped….even whisper in our ears that we’re a glitch in the system. How many times have you struggled with that same feeling? Not belonging in a group? Being told how messed up  you are? I know that I have wrestled with my self worth and value constantly throughout my life.

King Candy stopped at nothing to make sure his deception was complete and he was a villain in a kid’s animated feature. We should expect no less from the true father of lies.

Racing’s in My Code!

 Haven’t you ever felt that way? You’re meant for something more? Something bigger? I do. All the time. I believe it’s my soul crying out for more from God. Vanellope knew that there was more to her than what everyone else told her. She could feel it. If you look around you, you can see the world yearning for more.  Psalm 84:2 says:

My soul yearns, even faints,
    for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
    for the living God.

So see, we’re coded like Vanellope – our souls actually seek the Lord. Some have forgotten or been reprogrammed, but that doesn’t stop the yearning in her heart for more.

That crummy medal was my ticket to a better life!

Ralph (and Vanellope) both believed that the medal from the game was their way out of their current problem. In the audience, we all knew that it couldn’t be that easy. They both had to overcome significant challenges in order to change their circumstances. But for a long time, that shiny gold medal was what they both believed would change their world.

Every day people are striving for something that will change their world. Better job. Better car. Better house….there’s a general understanding that these things mean a better life. But that’s not really the case is it? Peace in all circumstances comes from the Prince of Peace. Paul says that we can be content in all circumstances.  (Philippians 4:11-13) The secret is God. Not stuff.  With Him all things are possible.

Which leads me to the last point…

So, this is the real you: a princess.

Vanellope spent her ‘life’ hearing every day that she was a glitch, when really she was a princess. She underwent a complete and total transformation – to the point that even her ‘glitch’ became something that was celebrated. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the Bible says:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here!

This can be our lives too. Once we accept Christ even those things that we hated about ourselves can be used for His glory and purpose.

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I loved Wreck-It Ralph the first time I watched it. Now, after having seen some of these deeper messages, it’s truly become a favorite movie for our family to watch – and discuss!