With the release of the streaming service Disney+ came a new Star Wars show called The Mandalorian. One of the fun things to come out of this well-received series has been several quotable lines that have already weaved their way into pop culture. One of my favorites is an oft-repeated line by the title character: "This is the way." It's not only fun to drop into a conversation with a grumbling kid asking why? but represents the central motivation of the Mandalorian.
If you’re not familiar with the Mandalorian mythology from Star Wars, you’re not alone. Before it aired, many casual fans knew nothing except “that dude looks a lot like Boba Fett.” But this is okay, as the series unravels and mythology for the viewer. And one of the things you find out in the series is that though the Mandalorian way started with an actual race of people, it has moved beyond ethnic identity. It’s now a creed that anyone can choose to follow.
This is exactly what we see played out of the series. Against what may be rational thought, or more often the easy way out, the Mandalorian repeatedly chooses to be faithful to his chosen path. And when challenged on his decision-making, his response is simply, "This is the way." This is also how other Mandalorians affirm one another and offer encouragement in difficult situations. Thus, the words this is the way are shorthand for explaining to outsiders or confirming with themselves that this is the way they have chosen to live, despite any difficulty it may bring.
I couldn't help but be struck the similarity to Christianity. Originally called the Way (Acts 9:2), our religion is rooted in Jewish ethnicity but open to anyone. It is a belief that leads to a certain way of life; namely, following Christ who is himself the Way.
But a sharp distinction is also seen. Sadly, there are many ways Christians loose their resolve to the follow the Way. We are tempted to lose hope, give in to our sinful desires, forsake God-given responsibilities, and more. In the end, we chose to step off the path forged by Christ, and live contrary to the way he has set out for us. This is unhelpful to us spiritually, discouraging to the church, and dishonoring to God. Thankfully, Jesus is able to identify with our weakness (Heb 4:15), and intercedes for us when we come to our senses and repent (1 John 1:9-2:2), choosing to step back onto the path of faithful Christian living.
But what I long for and pray for--not just in my own life, but in the church as well--is more of a Mandalorian-like Christianity. I long to see believers who live with spiritual grit. I pray for a Christianity where believers remain faithful in the midst of the darkest valleys and most difficult times. More and more, I want see Christians who, by faith in God's Son, consistently kill sin, sacrificially love others, and joyfully choose to follow Christ instead of the world.
This is the way.
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