What Disney's Soul Teaches Us About Purpose and Mission

Spoiler Alert: What Happens in Soul

Before we go further, be warned: there will be spoilers ahead! If you haven't seen Soul yet, you may want to watch it first and then return to this blog.

The Story of Soul

Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher, dreams of becoming a renowned jazz musician. When he finally gets his big break, performing alongside a famous saxophonist, an accident sends him into the afterlife. However, Joe refuses to accept his fate and ends up in "The Great Before," a place where souls develop their personalities before coming to Earth.

There, he meets 22, a soul who has never found her passion and, therefore, refuses to be born. Joe believes that by helping 22 discover her purpose, he can return to his body and achieve his dream. However, through a series of unexpected events—including switching bodies—Joe realizes that life is more than just fulfilling a single ambition. Instead, it’s about truly experiencing and appreciating every moment.

The Movie’s Core Message: Purpose vs. Mission

One of the most profound messages of Soul is the distinction between purpose and mission. Many people, like Joe, equate their life’s purpose with a single goal—whether it’s becoming a musician, a doctor, or an entrepreneur. However, the film suggests that while a mission gives us direction, our ultimate purpose is simply to live.

Joe experiences the thrill of performing on stage but soon realizes that achieving his dream doesn’t bring the lasting fulfillment he expected. This moment of disillusionment forces him to reconsider what truly matters.

A Biblical Perspective on Purpose

While Soul promotes the idea that purpose is found in living fully, a biblical perspective offers a deeper interpretation. The Bible teaches that our true purpose is to have a relationship with our Creator and worship Him. Our missions—our careers, talents, and roles in society—are meaningful, but they are not what define us.

A common mistake people make is confusing their mission with their identity. Many professionals introduce themselves by their job titles: “I’m Dr. Smith” or “I’m a musician.” But in reality, our identity is not tied to what we do, but to who we are in relation to God.

The Lesson: Your Mission is a Tool, Not Your Identity

A powerful analogy explains this concept well: imagine a father asking his young child to help wash the car. The child’s contribution may not be efficient—he might waste water and leave spots untouched—but the father doesn’t care about the quality of the job. What matters is the time spent together. Similarly, God invites us to participate in His mission, not because He needs our help, but because He wants to build a relationship with us.

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Final Thoughts: What Soul Teaches Us About Life

The movie Soul is a beautiful reminder that while passions and goals are important, they are not the ultimate source of fulfillment. True purpose is found in relationships—whether with others or, from a biblical perspective, with God. If we anchor our identity solely in achievements, we risk feeling empty once those goals are reached. But when we understand that our purpose is to love, connect, and worship, we find meaning beyond our accomplishments.

Key Takeaways from Soul:

• Purpose is different from mission – Your career or goals are not your true identity.

• Live in the moment – Life isn’t just about big achievements; it’s about appreciating everyday experiences.

• Don’t tie your worth to success – True fulfillment comes from relationships, not accomplishments.

• A biblical perspective – The ultimate purpose is to know and worship our Creator.

If you found this post insightful, consider sharing it with someone who needs a fresh perspective on purpose and passion.