How Can I Live a Fulfilling Life?
The character of Aslan the lion dominates all seven novels in the Chronicles of Narnia series. It points
to Jesus, “the lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). In the Narnia series, C.S. Lewis portrays
Aslan as a wild lion, one who arouses awe and wonder.
After writing several books that defended the Christian faith, C.S. Lewis turned to writing children
stories with the intention of teaching biblical truth in an enjoyable way. Lewis wished to create within
us a longing deep within our souls for something more.
Three Important Steps in Living a Fulfilling Life:
1. Break with the ________(Past).
a. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as
a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do
not be conformed to this world.” Romans 12:1-2. J.B. Phillips translates this as:
“Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its mold.”
b. Chameleons and mimic octopuses change their color in order to blend into their
surroundings. Christians are called to be different. We are to die to the patterns and
standards of this world.
c. For example, the world sees sex as a purely recreational activity. God sees it as a
“one flesh” union (Genesis 2:24). When two pieces of cardboard are glued together,
they cannot be ripped apart without creating a mess. We must get our definition of
sex and a thousand other issues from God, not the world.
2. Make a _______________(Fresh Start).
a. “Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable
and perfect.” Romans 12:2. While Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz is told upfront
which witches are wicked and which are good, in Narnia the children have to work
this out for themselves.
b. In Narnia, the children are afraid of being separated from Aslan. Lucy asks him,
“Will you tell us how to get into your country from our world?” Aslan answers, “I
shall be telling you all the time. But I will not tell you how long or short the way will
be; only that it lies across a river. But do not fear that, for I am the great Bridge
Builder.”
c. Atheist Bertrand Russell lived a long but miserable life, having been married four
times. He wrote, “The center of me is always and eternally a terrible pain – a
searching for something beyond what the world contains, something transfigured and
infinite. The vision is God. I do not find it. I do not think it is to be found – but the
love of it is my life.”
d. When the White Witch demands that Edmund must die because of his deception,
Aslan volunteers to die for him. Coming back to life, Aslan explains what happened.
“If a willing victim who has committed no treachery is killed in a traitor’s place, the
Stone Table will crack, and death itself will start to work backwards.”
e. In the same way, our lives can be transformed by Christ. A metamorphosis will
occur. As we believe in Christ and repent of our sin, God grants us new birth and
justifies us by declaring us righteous. We are no longer chameleons who adapt to our
surroundings, but butterflies making a fresh start.
3.
Choose _____________(God’s Best).
a. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as
a living sacrifice.” Romans 12:1. In the Old Testament, dead animals were
sacrificed to God. After Christ’s death as the perfect Lamb of God, we are now
called upon to offer our lives as living sacrifices.
b. We are to offer 1) our time, which is our most valuable asset, and 2) our ambitions,
including our hopes and dreams, and 3) our possessions, every material good we
have, and 4) our eyes, ears, mouth, and hands, every part of our bodies.
Several years ago, Pastor Nicky Gumbel became acquainted with a lady who lived on the streets of
London near his church. Daily she would beg for money and collect rubbish in plastic bags.
When she died, Nicky was surprised to hear that she had actually inherited a large fortune,
including a beautiful home and many valuable paintings. But she ignored it all, unwilling to give
up her street life.
In like manner, many today while away their lives on trivial pursuits. They chase prizes and
trophies that will soon be forgotten. God has something much, much better for us. Don’t spend
the best years of your life making sand castles on beaches! Rather set your sail in pursuit of
Christ, and live a life you will never regret!
Discussion Questions
How Can I Live a Fulfilling Life?
1. Have you read any of the Chronicles of Narnia novels by C.S. Lewis? Or have you seen any of
the movies? Why is it important to understand that the main character, Aslan the lion, represents
Christ? C.S. Lewis decided to write the Narnia novels because he wished to teach biblical truth
in an enjoyable, delightful way. Do you think he succeeded in this attempt? Why are some more
attracted to non-fiction books that defend biblical Christianity, like Lewis’s Mere Christianity,
while others are more attracted to fictional approaches like the Narnia tales? What book or
movie or sermon or preacher has been most influential in your growth as a Christian?
2. Read Romans 12:1-2. Do you agree that the first step in living a fulfilling life is to break with
the past? Why or why not? How have you been tempted to let the world squeeze you into its
mold? Are you ever like the policeman who wanted to blend in with the crowd instead of face
his responsibilities? Do you know of any professing believers who are like chameleons? How
have you learned to die to the patterns and standards of this world? How is God’s standard for
sexual relationships being challenged by the world today? Why is this such an easy trap for so
many to fall into?
3. Look at Romans 12:2. How are we to make a fresh start in following Christ? Why did C.S.
Lewis intentionally depict his characters in Narnia as having to discern what was right and
wrong (as opposed to Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz who was told which witches were evil)?
Why were the children in Narnia afraid of being separated from Aslan? When Lucy asked Aslan
how to get to his country, what did he say? Why is it important to know that Christ is the great
Bridge Builder, making a bridge for us to cross over to get to God and heaven? Why do you
think atheist Bertrand Russell continued to reject God even though he was so miserable? Why
did the White Witch demand that Edmund should die? How was Edmund saved? How does
Christ wish to transform our lives today? What is necessary for us to do in order to be saved?
4. Look again at Romans 12:1. How are believers today to sacrifice versus how Old Testament
believers were to sacrifice? What were the four ways given for us to offer our bodies as living
sacrifices? Can you think of other ways to do this? What did you think of the story of the street
lady who was buried by Pastor Nicky Gumbel? Why do you think she chose to ignore the large
inheritance she received, refusing to give up her life on the streets? How are people today
wasting their lives by making sand castles on beaches that will soon be washed away? Are you
prepared to set your sail in pursuit of Christ and his kingdom?