A Spiritual Lesson In Toon Language: Lesson 22e
Topic: The Chlorhydris Files V - The Golden Rule In Reverse
Series: Smurfs
Episode: He Who Smurfs Last
Lesson PDF link: 22e.pdf
Introduction
We are talking about the Golden Rule, except in this lesson which is in direct contrast to the Azraels Of Life lesson Parts A and B where we are talking about this passage also, we are talking this time however about the reverse of it which is negative. See Lessons 18a and 18b for the other lessons with the golden rule. I used the Smurfs Episode "He Who Smurfs Last" for this piece of work.
Scriptures Used Include: I John 4: 7-8, 16; Proverbs 26: 18-19; Luke 6: 27-36; Proverbs 17: 22; Colossians 3: 8; Psalms 51: 1-17; Matthew 6: 5-15
Remember Our Bible Point: Do you remember our Bible point for this Chlorhydris theme? I John 4: 7-8, 16.
What would this world be like without a sense of humor or laughter?
Cartoon Show: Smurfs: "He Who Smurfs Last":
Bible Study: Proverbs 26: 18-19, Luke 6: 27-36, Proverbs 17: 22
Linking to the cartoon, what do these scriptures mean to you?
What do you think about Jokey in this cartoon? Jokey has a strange sense of humor. He plays pranks on people and thinks that the reaction of his victims is funny. This time however he plays a prank on a mystery person who happens to be Chlorhydris. This is definitely the worst person to play this kind of prank on. What would the proper reaction be to the gluey gold prank? If you were the victim of this prank, what would your honest reaction be? Why do you think Chlorhydris would try to steal the sense of humor of the Smurfs? Is this good or bad reasoning? Is Chlorhydris's plan even practical? Why or why not?
When Jokey played that prank on an unsuspecting Chlorhydris, she sought revenge because a person like her will look for a reason to be mad at someone like Jokey and Hefty. She repays evil for evil just like the Bible says not to do. The Bible states in Colossians 3: 8:
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
If we look at what Chlorhydris did in this cartoon, she did exactly the opposite of what she was supposed to do. This is the Golden Rule in reverse. However the Smurfs committed the same sin because of the prank to begin with. In this cartoon these two Smurfs were no better than Chlorhydris to begin with. Two wrongs don't make a right.
How do you think that God showed himself in this cartoon? In other words, how does this cartoon show that God is Love? What do you think of Baby Smurf in this cartoon? Baby represents God's unfailing mercy and power. God in real life restores joy, cheer, and laughter to the sad if people earnestly seek Jesus.
Bible Study II: Psalms 51: 1-17
If the Smurfs that wronged Chlorhydris said this prayer sincerely, do you see why they would be able to have their humor, joy, and happiness back?
Unfortunately, Chlorhydris doesn't seem to want to do this. She wants to be angry, hurtful, and vengeful. As long as a person like her would want to hold grudges, bitterness, and malice within the heart, there will be no true laughter (good humored of course), joy or peace within the soul. Would you be able to forgive Chlorhydris for this act of bad humor? Yes, God is Love. How can you show good humor and laughter this week to someone? By the same token, how can you show that God is Love until our next session? Will you fulfill the Golden Rule in its positive or negative form?
This time we are going to do something slightly different. Recite the famous Lord's Prayer to close this lesson session out. It is a way to show who God is with good humor, cheer and laughter because God wills it. Read Matthew 6: 5-15 and when the scripture gets to the Lord's Prayer, pray for our closing and remember what it says afterwards. The Bible says if we don't forgive we won't be forgiven. Goodbye, until our next session.