Lessons from our Good brother Ren

the button of temptation

What lessons can we learn from Brother Ren and Stimpy this week?

1. That when we deprive ourselves of much needed things (i.e. Time with God) we can start doing some crazy things. Ren ate soap thinking it was his ice cream bar. We Start chasing things other than God and when we reach them they aren’t what we thaught they would be. "Sometimes the things we want most in life are the things that will kill us."( Blue like jazz, Donald Miller p. 76, Don rabbit)Rev. 2:3-5 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. [4] Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. [5] Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

2. Sin can blind us from those who are trying to help us- Ren thought stimpy had attacked him. Have you ever got mad at your parents or a friend or teacher or youth minister for pointing out something you were doing that was wrong? Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

3. When we are caught up in our sin we will desire to drag others down with us. Its much easier to rationalize sin when we have accomplices. Ren didn’t like that Stimpy was still so happy. And like glory stealing God does not look lightly on this…Matthew 18:6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

4. Temptation in very difficult to resist- almost impossible on our own.

1 Cor. 10:13

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Ren and stimpy picture found on this page.