The Smurfs of the Christian Community.

You know, sometimes I wonder how in the world I get these outrageous ideas of things to write about for DCE. I can truly say that God allows me to use my creativity for the kingdom and I absolutely love it. As I was sitting here I was going through some of my notes on my phone. Usually during my church services, I take my notes on my iPhone and then upload them to my MacBook for future review. So I came across a note where my Bishop was speaking about “Spiritual Freeloaders”. You know what a freeloader is? Well if you don’t, a freeloader is basically someone who takes advantage of the generosity of others. Almost like someone who does not share the responsibility or the cost of that benefit. While reading through my notes, I thought to myself, “Hmm.. There’s so many different kinds of Christians in the church.” And then the cartoon “The Smurfs” popped up into my head! You guys ever used to watch that cartoon? Well if not, basically the Smurfs are these tiny, blue creatures that live in mushroom houses in a village hidden in the forest. There are over 100 different Smurfs inside the Smurf Village. Each Smurf is assigned a task in the village, according to their ability and the needs of the community. Sounds like something else we know right? The CHURCH! I’m in one of my creative bags so I thought I would pick out a few Smurfs that I thought were represented within the Body of Christ. Some good.. and some not so good.

Papa Smurf is the leader of the Smurfs, and the only Smurf who wears red. Papa Smurf brings the Smurfs to safety in times of danger and crisis. Everyone in Smurf Village turns to Papa Smurf when things go awry. God is the “Papa Smurf” of the Christian community. We all go through trials in our life. Trials may come as a consequence of our own pride and disobedience. Now, the Smurfs constantly found themselves in these situations where they always had to run to Papa Smurf for him to whip them up some kind of “potion”. What happens when you want to get the victory, and you know you could’ve gotten it if you were more prepared? Sometimes we fail to get the victory because we aren’t prepared for trials. If you don’t know how to get the victory, you can’t be surprised when you don’t. The devil has been using the same ol’ tricks over and over again, and we still get caught in the same trap. You want to be ready and prepared for trials. (Thank you Pastor Justin for that awesome message)

Lazy is perhaps the most interesting Smurf in the village. Almost certifiably narcoleptic, Lazy can fall asleep anywhere, anytime, day or night. The Lazy Smurf in the church would be the spiritual freeloaders. You know? The people who go to a huge church. They sing the songs. Run around the church. And then BOUNCE! As soon as the Bishop says, “Grace and Peace..” They are apart of the family, but they are not doing anything for the household. They are not apart of any ministry. Instead, they receive what they need to receive and leave. Now, I know that many people have busy schedules at which they can’t be apart of a ministry in a church, but the least you can do is socialize with your congregation. A simple hello. Introduce yourself to people, etc. It’s so easy to get caught up in the pattern of church that you forget how good it is for brethren to dwell together. Make your presence known and stop being lazy!

Chuckles* And this is Clumsy Smurf. Clumsy Smurf is a kind soul who is often tripped up by his own two feet. Clumsy loves to collect rocks and is best friends with Brainy. As believers, we may get tripped up due to our own silly, ridiculous mistakes. Not all trials that we go through are meant for us to go through. Sometimes we bring trials upon ourselves. Sometimes we trust our judgment better than trusting the Holy Spirit. That is a big no no. You can treat the Holy Spirit as a real person, just as the disciples walked cautiously and carefully with Jesus while he was on earth, so Jesus intends you and I to walk carefully and cautiously with the Holy Spirit.

Brainy seems to be an expert on everything…but he’s usually wrong. Brainy’s best friend is Clumsy. Do you guys see where I’m going with this? Both of them are toxic to one another and often go hand and hand. When you think you know everything.. you usually don’t. The Bible talks about humility. Humility leads to wisdom, with a focus on submitting to God rather than building up one’s own ego. The Bible also warns against false humility, which is really about making yourself look impressive to other people but has nothing to do with building a relationship with God. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. [Proverbs 11:2]

This is Dreamy Smurf. Dreamy Smurf is always dreaming of other places and other things. Dreamy Smurf in the Christian community are those who are so caught up in what God can give them vs. what they can do for God. You know? Those who are praying for God to send them that Man/Woman of God but they are not about their father’s business during their season of singleness. Or those who are praying to God for that new car, that new house, etc. The word says to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and then all of these things shall be added unto you. Are you seeking the kingdom of God for his presence or for his presents? Please please please, don’t get caught up in daydreaming about the things God is going to bless you with. Before you know it, you’ll be more consumed about those thoughts and you’ll miss out on the presence of God.

Vanity Smurf is never without a mirror in sight. Vain to an extreme, Vanity is constantly worried about his appearance.#MajorFacePalm. Help us Lord! The word vanity is most often used in the Bible to signify emptiness, pointlessness and worthlessness. The Book of Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon, shows how he learned that God is the only path to finding meaning in life. I also wanted to point out Romans 12:3.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”

A vain person loses perspective when they think to much of themselves. You can definitely be confident in yourself without being vain.

Last, but certainly not least is Smurfette. Smurfette was created by Gargamel to destroy the Smurfs. (Papa Smurf changed her afterwhile). Before she got changed, she is what I like to call “Killa”. I’m actually gonna let Lecrae explain this one. Haha!