Thoughts on Narnia - #2

Aslan is on the move!

Casper Alliance Church’s core values wrapped on the phrase “Aslan is on the move.” These four words carry a powerful message for those familiar with the works of C.S. Lewis. They signify a turning point in the narrative, a moment of hope and anticipation. But how can these words become meaningful away from children’s books?

What are the core values of Casper Alliance Church?

1. Expect More
2. Do The Work
3. Without Meaningful Relationships We are Wrecked

In many ways, the phrase "Aslan is on the move" represents a call to action. It is a reminder that change is coming, that the world is groaning and calling for a redeemer. It is a call to be vigilant, to pay attention to movement of God on the planet.  At its core, "Aslan is on the move" is a message of hope. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always God’s activity of redemption and renewal. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, that God is greater than our circumstances and is truly working things out for His good purposes. Do you expect God to show up.  Expect more!

But hope alone is not enough. To truly embrace the message of "Aslan is on the move," we must be willing to act. We must be willing to take risks, to step outside of our comfort zones, examine our lives, and do the work towards a deeper trust in God. We must be willing submit ourselves to the work of the Spirit in our spiritual lives.  This isn’t a fun experience and takes effort.  “Aslan is on the move” is a call to action.

In the end, "Aslan is on the move" is a call to a relationship. Aslan can be on the move, but who is Aslan?  When the beavers tell the kids that “Aslan is on the move” they ask who is Aslan? Mr. Beaver laughs and then begins to tell the story of Aslan and who he is with depth.  As the story unfolds the kids trust grows, their knowledge moves to relationship and ultimately a deep connection with what it means to believe “Aslan is on the move”

BUT - There is a difference between knowing about something and having a relationship with something.  This is why we say without meaningful relationships we are wrecked.  It’s easy to show up to church and have an awareness of one another, maybe even be familiar with some, but to truly have a relationship requires a bit of intimacy.

Here is a simple equation to meaningful relationships:
Knowledge + Time + Shared Activities = Meaningful Relationships

Meaningful relationships aren’t created overnight.  It takes time, understand, and more than one shared activity.

As I went through the Chronicles of Narnia and followed the activities of Aslan it’s not a stretch for me to understand through the context of Casper Alliance Church that when I think of the phrase “Aslan is on the move”  it is a call to work, expectation, and meaningful relationships.