My kids love Lion King, and as an adult, I pondered again some fascinating parts of the story. The moral of the story is, perhaps ironically to a younger viewer, that “hakuna matata” is a shallow immoral way to live. However, what I really find fascinating is Simba’s return to Pride Rock, or rather…what caused Simba’s return to Pride Rock.
Nala appealed to Simba with the suffering and devastation wreaked by Scar, but Simba still adamantly refused to return. “Hakuna Matata”, he says. It is not until Simba is confronted by these words from Mufasa….Remember who you are. You are my son… This reminder of identity convicts Simba of his responsibilities. He does not return to Pride Rock because of Pride Rock’s circumstances, he returns because he is Mufasa’s son.
All Christians can say something similar, but even better. Instead of a fantastical lion king, the King of the Universe, God Himself, implores us to call Him “Father”. We can rightfully remind ourselves “Remember who you are. You are God’s son…” or “Remember who you are. You are God’s daughter…” and this identity should drive us away from futile hakuna matatas of this world, and back into the life-giving ways of our King.