Even An Ogre Can Change

Even an Ogre Can Change

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Think of a big green ogre and who comes to mind? If you’ve seen the popular animated movie series you’re bound to say Shrek.^a

In the sequel to the first film Shrek falls in love with the princess Fiona. They eventually get married and then travel to the castle of Fiona’s parents in order for Shrek to receive her father’s blessing. The visit does not go well, and Shrek and Fiona start to fight.

After disagreeing with Fiona’s father, Shrek barges into Fiona’s chambers and starts throwing their things together. As the newlyweds’ first crisis unfolds, their voices get louder and louder until they’re shouting at each other.

Shrek says, “I told you coming here was a bad idea.”

“You could have at least tried to get along with my father,” Fiona replies.

“You know, somehow I don’t think I was going to get Daddy’s blessing even if I did want it.”

“Well, do you think it might be nice if somebody asked me what I wanted?”

In a sarcastic tone, Shrek responds, “Sure. Do you want me to pack for you?”

“You’re unbelievable,” says Fiona. “You’re behaving like a . . . a . . .”

“Go ahead and say it!” Shrek challenges her.

“Like an ogre!” Fiona shouts.

Shrek yells, “Well, here’s a newsflash for you. Whether your parents like it or not, I am an ogre. And guess what, princess—that’s not about to change.”

Fiona pauses for a moment and takes a deep breath. Then she composes herself and walks slowly to the door and opens it. In a gentle tone that invites reconciliation she simply says, “I’ve made changes for you, Shrek. Think about that.” Then she quietly shuts the door behind her, leans up against it, and begins to cry. Shrek, cut to the heart, walks to the door and hears her crying, then leans up against his side of it and sighs.

Like all of us, Shrek knows it’s true. Every spouse has to make changes for the other person. Why? Because marriage entails some necessary losses. It requires sacrifice and adaptability on both sides. None of us can claim that our negative natures are unchangeable, that we simply are who we are. The truth is that we are all, through Christ, in the process of becoming what God wants us to be.

Is there an area in your marriage in which a little more adaptability on your part would go a long way? Think about that.

When you are through changing, you are through.

—Bruce Barton

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