A Spiritual Lesson In Toon Language: Lesson 45b

Topic: The Seven Deadly Sins II: Rage

Series: The Muppet Show, Looney Tunes

Episodes: Sex And Violence (The Muppet Show), From Hare To Heir (Looney Tunes)

Lesson PDF link: 45b.pdf

Introduction

Today, we are talking about "Rage." What is your definition of rage (outside of the definition of fad or popularity)? The way I see it, rage in the sinful sense is like uncontrolled and senseless anger that is explosive in the fact that it usually is from a habitually untamed temper. This could also come in the form of even once in a while, but in my view not as often as a bad habit that we need to address.

We are once again going to take a look at the Muppet Show episode called "Sex And Violence", but first a picture:

This picture is actually from the Muppet Show episode "Sex And Violence". This is their 'Rage' muppet. Seeing that this particular muppet got basically cheated his time because he had no intro and just was there at the end of the show (he was probably very mad about it), we figured we would give him a little time in the sun.

We will now show the first of our two short selections for this lesson.

Clip Show: The Muppet Show: "Sex And Violence"

What do you see in this clip? What appears to be going on is a series of senseless beatings by these two. Now, granted, this could be their way of communicating, however this seems to be isolating them from people who are perhaps lending aid and it's also painful for them. They need to learn better ways of doing things because of course this could ruin their relationship too. In fact, they laugh at the pain they cause that other couple as well.

We will now show the second clip of our selections for this lesson.

Cartoon Show: The Looney Tunes Episode: "From Hare To Heir"

What do you see in this cartoon? In this show, we see that Yosemite Sam undergoes a temper test to be awarded a huge amount of money. However, unfortunately for him, it exploits his biggest weakness - this being his malicious temper and in a cartoon way, a foul mouth. The cartoon shows definitely what not to do with our Christian walk.

Our Bible passages for today are Colossians 3: 12-17, and then we turn to the book of Ephesians Chapter 4.

The Bible states in Colossians: 3: 12-17:

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The Bible states in Ephesians 4: 1-6; 26-27; 29-32

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;

5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

26 “In your anger do not sin” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,

27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Yosemite Sam really has some issues with his mouth. What have we learned?

What I have seen personally is that all senseless rage does is isolate and causes hate. Unity in Christ cannot happen very easily if we as Christians fight amongst ourselves instead of working together in Jesus Christ. Rage and its related sin issues (malice, bickering etc.) are one of the most toxic in Christian culture because nothing gets done besides searing emotional pain and discord. When we learn to be kinder to our own team in general, we will most likely be much kinder to ones out there who need the saving grace of Jesus, but don't have it yet. Getting mad at each other senselessly or getting uncontrollably angry at life's little tests won't help the Kingdom of God and will assuredly hurt one's witness as a Christian.

Now, for a closing thought, I will use one last scripture passage. To be fair, this looks to be unrelated in a sense, because it is a prediction of Peter's denial. But inside this scripture passage there is something that sums up this entire lesson.

The Bible States In John 13: 34-35:

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Jesus's words leave absolutely no room for senseless fighting, anger, and discord.