GUARDIAN OF THE GALAXY Vol. 2 (2017) Movie Review
Romans 12:9 says, "Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good." (NLT)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
is a vibrant and action-packed extension of its predecessor, Guardians of the Galaxy. It is also a deeply emotional exploration of what it means to be family. It compares and contrasts biological family vs. emotional family.
What makes the Guardians of the Galaxy a family ?
Each member of the Guardians comes from different species, have endured different circumstances, and contribute in different ways. Yet, they come together with a common purpose. To save the galaxy. To save the lives of others. Their mutual love for the galaxy and each other brings them together as a family.
Psalm 27:10 says, "Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close."
In contrast, the biological father of Star-Lord turns out to be a threatening force to goodness in the galaxy. He is entitled, presumptuous, and deceiving. He causes harm to the people about whom he claims
to care. His abandonment of Star-Lord as a child and Star-Lord's dying mother is merely the beginning to a deeper, evil plot. He clearly cares for nobody but himself.
This marks the ease of the group's decision to fight him at all cost. Star-Lord sacrifices his potential for great power for the good of others. He chooses a family built on love and mutual purpose over biology and the temptation of power. In doing so, he establishes a strong identity for himself.
Compassionate. Selfless. Strong. Guardian. Savior.
How should one define family? How does one establish identity? What what kind of people should one associate? How can one strive to make the world a better place?
These are the question we should all consider in every aspect of our lives. Let everything we do be out of love, even at the cost of a bad relationship. Let nobody determine your own divine purpose. Follow the example the Guardians of the Galaxy.
