Disney has crafted a culture that admires and adores royalty. Children sit in front of a screen with laser focus as princes and princesses fall in love with the help of a mischievous carpet, a snarky snowman, or an overzealous dragon serving as their wing-man… or wing-snowman. Little hearts soar as they kiss in front of their gorgeous state-of-the-art castle while fireworks flicker behind the building as the screen goes black.
Most people will never fall in love with a secret princess who has a talking tiger. Sorry to burst your bubble. However, the Bible says something fascinating about how your role has something to do with royalty. According to the apostle Paul, we “are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (3:26). He elaborates, “Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (4:6-7). This passage teaches that we are spiritual royalty due to our relationship with the Father. You are a child of a king, which makes you a prince or princess (no, this royal role doesn’t come with a talking-animal sidekick).
Paul speaks volumes to our identity in these short verses. He suggests that we once were slaves and now are royals. You are no longer a slave! You’re a child of God! What does it mean to be the child of a king? You have royal responsibilities. Just like an ambassador representing our nation abroad, you get to represent heaven while living on Earth. An ambassador’s primary role is to bring peace, so you should strive to do the same. Wherever you go, carry the Kingdom. Whatever the circumstance you face, pursue peace. Promote peace in your school, your family, and your friendships. It’s your royal responsibility.