TUGGIN’ ON SUPERMAN’S CAPE
There are some things in life that you’re just not supposed to do. The list is enormous, but there are some popular “don’t’s” that stand out. We heard them as kids and if a person is lucky enough to get old will probably repeat them.
“Don’t play with fire!” Did anyone, or maybe more accurate a question would be, did any boys ever keep that command? My mom didn’t catch me in the act, but she definitely knew someone had burned our cats whiskers off and it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that I was the culprit.
We all know the rules, the do’s and don’t’s, but we tend to break them anyway. “No scuffling in the house!”I can’t remember how many stitches I’ve had from breaking that one. “Look both ways before you cross the street!” It took me a while before I started paying attention to that one too.
There were the so many as a kid how could we remember all of them? “Don’t pick your nose!” – “No double dipping!” Blah-blah-blah…
Jim Croce a popular folk/pop singer from the early seventies even had a song using some popular cultural fictional icons and common sense to make a point in the song, “Don’t Mess Around With Jim.” Here is the chorus, at least the way I remember it.
“You don’t tug on Superman’s cape
You don’t spit into the wind
You don’t pull the mask off the ole’ Lone Ranger
And you don’t mess around with Jim.”
Point made. Jim was a tough and dangerous guy. Although young, I understood the connection and enjoyed the bit of humor. If Jim was in the same category as Superman and the Lone Ranger, then Jim was one bad dude! I mean, only a fool would tug on Superman’s cape, spit into the wind, or pull the mask of the Lone Ranger!
Some more serious rules were talked about back then as well, namely the Ten Commandments, the Biblical belief or perspective that our country was founded on. I find it interesting that our society now kind of picks and chooses which of the Commandments they agree with for their life. Many of us will justify actions that come in contrast with the Commandments we do agree with.
A society that tries to enforce the rules like the Ten Commandments as rules or laws for life without acknowledging the sovereignty of the Law Giver perverts the laws. The first four rules or Commandments that our forefathers based our Constitution on are the laws that acknowledge the author of life and all laws- God himself.
The fifth law is more like the first four in that it’s about acknowledging and honoring someone else. In this case, it is our parents who God calls us to honor. Not that all parents deserve honoring, but have you witnessed some people who haven’t honored their parents? What do their lives look like? Hummm. Maybe there is something to these laws after all?
The other laws most everyone agrees with, in general, are no murder, no adultery, no stealing, no lying, and no jealousy. The Commandments are obviously given in order of importance. If a person doesn’t think the first 5 have merit, they will certainly struggle with the last 5.
As a reminder to some who think we are evolving and becoming like “gods.” The standard we’re held to was defined by Jesus Christ. He reminded us that if we commit any of these acts in our minds we are guilty as if done in the flesh. With that as the standard of good, we all fall short… No wonder we need a Savior.
Looking back, tuggin’ on Superman’s cape and taking the mask off the ole’ Lone Ranger seems like harmless child’s play compared to mocking The Almighty…
tcavey
Thursday, February 27, 2014 @ 10:39 am
The pic for your post made me smile, today is “Super Hero” Day at my son’s Mothers Day Out program…he’s Spider Man today 🙂
Anyway, when I first became a parent some of the best advice I reachieved was from my sister, she said that part of being a good parent is helping kids obey God. They learn that from learning to obey parents. If kids can’t obey parents, they grow into adults who have trouble obeying God.
As my sons gets older and is testing more boundaries, I can see how his behavior sometimes mirrors my own with God. I’m pretty sure from God’s perspective there are times I am throwing tantrums like my toddler because I don’t like being told “no”.
Great post.
Floyd
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 5:16 pm
Good for you, mom! How fun is that. That sounds like great advice from your sister, I’d say she’s spot on. Wisdom runs in that family! I’m also with you about being like the spoiled kid. Thanks, TC.
child of God
Thursday, February 27, 2014 @ 1:43 pm
I think I would be very tempted to pull on Superman’s cape. Maybe he would take me for a ride.
People like to make fun of the 10 commandments and call God a tyrant for placing them but in reality those commands are for our own safety. If we truly understood the depth of the spiritual war going on and we could see our folly in not adhering to the commands I believe we would shape up real quick and be very fearful of disobeying. Thanks to God for Jesus! Without Him we are just totally sunk.
Blessings brother.
Floyd
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 5:19 pm
Well said! Following the rules of our Father’s morality saves the pain that most of the world is living in. They are designed to protect, not hinder, the enemies just spun it pretty well the other way around… and the lost world chooses to believe a lie… That’s that double edged sword of free will! Thanks, sister. I’d be tempted to pull on SM’s cape too!
Bill (cycelguy)
Thursday, February 27, 2014 @ 2:38 pm
I’d rather tug on Superman’s cape, mess with Thor’s hammer, steel Cap’s shield, mess with the Hulk, and other non-sensical stuff, than mock God. Just got a chill from that thought.
Floyd
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 5:19 pm
That’s great! You said that so well, Bill! Gave me chills in stereo!
Sharon
Thursday, February 27, 2014 @ 3:20 pm
Yes, Floyd. I think it’s wonderful to think of God as our friend – for indeed He is. And yes, He’s also a God of tremendous love, patience, and grace. But I think most people could use a greater sense of *fear* and reverence for Him. He is the ALMIGHTY God after all! And I count it a privilege to be able to approach Him at all!
GOD BLESS!
Floyd
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 5:21 pm
I’m with you, Sharon. The reverence is kind of missing even within the church I think. Amazing how that word “fear” translates! Excellent point and perspective, Sharon! Thank you.
Dolly@Soulstops
Thursday, February 27, 2014 @ 5:42 pm
Floyd,
The Old Testament and our own lives show us we can’t keep God’s law, only Jesus did and so we need His life and forgiveness to live the life God calls us to…I am always asking God to help Him to put no other gods before Him…those sneaky attachments that are not of Him…subtle in my case, but not good, nonetheless…so thankful for God’s grace and forgiveness…blessings to you .
Floyd
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 5:23 pm
I’m with you, Dolly. I was just trying to make the point of the laws of civilized society and how they buy the last five laws, but deny the first five that point to the sovereignty of our Father. It is all about the grace and redemption received through our Savior’s perfect sacrifice as well as the sacrifice of our Father. Blessings to you to, Dolly. Thanks for sharing that truth!
Dolly@Soulstops
Saturday, March 1, 2014 @ 10:12 am
Very good point, Floyd…praying with you for our country….glad to read your shoulder is improving…blessings for a restful weekend 🙂
Floyd
Saturday, March 1, 2014 @ 10:28 am
That’s a worthy prayer, Dolly. Thanks, and thanks for the well wishes, sister. Blessings to you and yours as well.
Lynn Morrissey
Thursday, February 27, 2014 @ 6:34 pm
I remember Croce. My favorite song of his was Time in a Bottle. Ah would that we could capture time, huh? Life would be so much simpler if we would play by the rules and follow God’s command. So interesting that you mentioned honoring your parents, because I was just talking about this to a family member yesterday and today. Children obey parents, but we are all to honor them no matter how old we get. And in this particular family situation, honor is definitely not being shown. We are also to care for family members. I think families are so important to God, becasue He has adopted us into His. Keep sharing truth, Floyd, and I’m glad for the repost, because I didn’t follow you back then. I sure hope and pray your shoulder is better!
Fondly.
Lynn
Floyd
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 5:25 pm
Thanks, Lynn. Isn’t it amazing how when you see the ones who haven’t honored their parents, not that we all haven’t made our share of mistakes, but the ones that truly disregard their parents heart and will, and how their lives seem to suffer for it. Thanks for the prayers for the shoulder! It’s coming around.
Hazel Moon
Thursday, February 27, 2014 @ 7:35 pm
This is an excellent repeat post: I don’t remember it, so I must have come along side you later. The name of God must be held in reverence and never mocked. God is NOT mocked and what ever a man sows that shall he also reap. The movies and TV are so glib in their language including using God’s name in vain and adding other curse words. The Bible tells us to honor our parents, as this is the first commandment with a promise attached – – and you shall enjoy a long life.
Floyd
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 5:31 pm
Amen, Hazel! You preach it, sister, and I’ll turn the pages! That was an awesome defense! Amen and Amen!
Pam
Thursday, February 27, 2014 @ 7:45 pm
“tuggin’ on Superman’s cape and taking the mask off the ole’ Lone Ranger seems like harmless child’s play compared to mocking The Almighty…” so true, Floyd!!!
Floyd
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 5:32 pm
Yep. Thanks, Pam.
Dan Erickson
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 6:29 am
I love Jim Croce. As for the Commandments, if we truly follow the first two I think the rest are covered. But seeing we’re all human and can’t follow them perfectly all the time, I’m sure thankful for Jesus and Grace.
Floyd
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 5:33 pm
Amen, Dan. And that’s the whole of the story! How did I know you’d like Jim Croce? You and I have the same taste! Thanks, Dan.
Barb Raveling
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 8:42 am
That’s so funny. I’ve heard that song countless times, but I don’t know if I ever listed to the words. All I remember is “don’t mess around with Jim.” (And who knows if I’m remembering that right.” We live in and “I should be able to do what I want when I want culture,” but we forget that doing what we want when we want has consequences. Maybe that’s cuz life is so easy, especially when we’re growing up, so we don’t always experience consequences to our actions.
Floyd
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 5:34 pm
That’s so true, Barb! The lost world are trying to eliminate consequences for sin… you and I know that isn’t about to happen in this cosmos that is ultimately up to our Father! Well said, Barb. You might have to look up that song, it’s good! I should have added a link… Thanks, Barb.
Loren Pinilis
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 9:07 am
I was guilty of breaking that playing with fire rule too 🙂
We so often think of the commandments as a set of rules and forget the rule-giver. We forget who is doing the commanding. And it’s a pretty different thing when you keep that in mind.
Floyd
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 5:35 pm
That’s an excellent point, Loren. That perspective changes everything! Good wisdom, brother!
Ceil
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 12:35 pm
Hi Floyd! I love Jim Croce’s music. I am very familiar with his songs.
As crazy as ‘spitting into the wind’ is, I do it all the time. I trip over the same weaknesses, bump into the Commandments…how he keeps loving me is a mystery of love.
But you are so right to point out that the Commandments are not suggestions or choices. They are the way to heaven, and they are given for clarity and a sure path. (I have a blog post coming with those themes!) It would be so silly not to try and follow them better and better day by day. I want to be with the Lord. And this is the way…
It beats spitting in the wind anyway 🙂
Blessings,
Ceil
Floyd
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 5:38 pm
Too funny, Ceil! That spitting into the wind gets a little sticky! I’m looking forward to your post, and I’m glad to know I’m not the only one tripping over my weaknesses over and over… just less than we used to! Thanks, Ceil.
SimplyDarlene
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 4:17 pm
Imagine my delight when in the first
bit you admitted to guilt
of the same feline
variety
as me.
You didn’t mention the smell, however. Ick. I remember smothering the flames and trying to hide the guilt — but that stink. Ick. So, we’re a lot like that, even with God’s word, huh?
I’m so thankful for His unending mercy. And forgiveness.
Blessings.
Floyd
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 5:39 pm
You know, I’m not even a little bit surprised about the whisker burning, Darlene?! And I’m right there with you on our Father’s word… nothing better than that, sister! Thanks, Darlene.
Joanne Norton
Friday, February 28, 2014 @ 6:49 pm
I really liked this. AND, considering how things have changed in the past 3 years, this writing of yours is even more serious and truthful than before or since. Our world truly has changed. I still wish you and I could get together and hash things out. I know you have MANY blog friends, sisters, and brothers. But somehow, I think we’d have a lot in common to talk about. The only funny part in this: Jim Crose. Have more than one of his songs that always makes me laugh. [The only “sorry” part is that when he died, he wasn’t serving the Lord.] Anyhow, now that I’ve read your piece, I have been very pleased. And thank you, again, for your encouragement for me re: my photo/Word and stories. Always a blessing. Thanks so much, Brother.
Floyd
Saturday, March 1, 2014 @ 10:27 am
I know for sure we’re on the same page and one of these days we might just get the chance to sit down over that cup of tea for you, and coffee for me! I agree with you on Jim Croce… sad that much talent would refuse the Truth. His songs are still timeless. I’m glad to encourage you, sister, and thanks for encouraging me. I think that’s how our Father planned it! Blessings, Joanne.
Lisa notes
Saturday, March 1, 2014 @ 3:22 pm
“Looking back, tuggin’ on Superman’s cape and taking the mask off the ole’ Lone Ranger seems like harmless child’s play compared to mocking The Almighty…”
I do think we’ve strayed from how seriously God takes His honor. The very first commandment should be enough to make us all fall to our knees and offer our worship.
I had that Jim Croce album as an 8-track, if I’m remembering correctly. 🙂 Going way back.
Floyd
Saturday, March 1, 2014 @ 10:53 pm
Well said, Lisa. Just to begin to grasp the reverence our Father is due is enough to stagger the mind.
How many times did you use a pencil or pen to rewind or tighten the tired tape in those over used 8-tracks? I cherished those old means of playing music like I should have our Maker… Thanks for taking me a little further down memory lane, Lisa!
June
Saturday, March 1, 2014 @ 8:14 pm
Thanks for re posting this, Floyd. I hadn’t yet met you back in 2011 and am glad to have had the opportunity to read these thoughts. Our forefathers understood the importance {and proper place} of God in a civilized society. Even though you can’t regulate morality, a civilization that keeps God in His proper place can come as close as possible this side of heaven. Denying God, throwing Him out and telling Him He is not needed is a recipe for impending dome. Life becomes hopeless, people have no longer have intrinsic value, the list goes on. Yeah, pulling on superman’s cape is way safer!
Floyd
Saturday, March 1, 2014 @ 10:54 pm
Yeah, I’m with you, sister! How I appreciate that wisdom and passion! We stand united in Him!!! How cool is that?!!! Thanks, June!
Betty Jo
Sunday, March 2, 2014 @ 6:01 am
Awwww. . . the poor little whiskerless kitty! Again you’ve got me giggling. Every time I read one of your posts Floyd I’m reminded anew how much you are like my brother. Now if my brother would just get ahold of Jesus, of if Jesus would get ahold of him, I should say, it would be such a blessing. You would hear me shouting all the way to AZ! Sorry I haven’t been by sooner. I’m up to my eyeballs in packing boxes, and working every extra minute revamping my blog.
Floyd
Sunday, March 2, 2014 @ 8:50 am
I know you’re busy, Betty Jo, but I sure appreciate you stopping by. Your brother will come around, I’m praying for his spiritual health and his physical health… I’ll be keeping my ears open for that shout when our Father delivers him! I don’t envy you moving, that’s hard, I’m praying for you too, Betty Jo. Thanks for taking the time to share a smile.
David
Monday, March 3, 2014 @ 9:47 am
I accidentally set 2 fires before I took the “don’t play with fire” rule very seriously. Fortunately neither were serious but they sure scared the bejeebers out of me! I quit playing with matches but found plenty more rules to break.
It is sad how far our country has strayed from our founding roots. I think even the most liberal of those who laid our foundations would likely be surprised if not appalled by how far we have drifted.
David
Monday, March 3, 2014 @ 10:09 am
When I was posting my comment I was trying to remember a book I read many years ago that was written on the pretense that God founded America, it finally came to me.
The book is called “The Light And The Glory” by Peter Marshall and David Manuel, it was written in 1980 and is still available at Amazon. It’s a good read and obviously the subject is still valid, maybe more so than ever in our current culture. It’s available for Kindle or in paperback.
I know – shameless plug – but it is a good book … 🙂
Floyd
Monday, March 3, 2014 @ 6:10 pm
I’m glad you did. It might be more needed now than then! I’ll check it out. Thanks, David.
Floyd
Monday, March 3, 2014 @ 6:09 pm
Why am I not surprised?!!! What is it with kids and fire? My brother set a field on fire lighting cobwebs… Rules, schmules!
The drift is approaching one hundred and eighty degrees! Praying for revival. Thanks for your honesty, rule breaker! Too funny! I mean since no one got hurt…
Bernard
Monday, March 3, 2014 @ 10:18 am
Playing with fire has cost me too much. I thought about the scripture that said, ‘Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap’. My mission is to sow seeds that helps others grow into the person designed them to be.
Floyd
Monday, March 3, 2014 @ 6:12 pm
I respect and appreciate your mission and ministry, Bernard. You were made for it! Not one time have I read something you’ve written and not been encouraged to persevere. In my opinion that is the key ingredient given by our Father. I’ve played with fire and the metaphorical kind as well… still wear the scars… I’m with you! Thanks, Bernard.
Caleb Suko
Monday, March 3, 2014 @ 12:21 pm
Last year I preached on the 5th commandment, it was a real eye opener for me as I studied it. I came to the conclusion that my attitude towards my parents and my relationship with them tends to be the best indicator to show what my relationship with God is really like.
Floyd
Monday, March 3, 2014 @ 6:17 pm
I like that, Caleb. Good word! I’m telling you, of all the years I look around at the ones who honor their parents and the ones who don’t, God’s word is spot on! Not that I’m surprised, just shocked I finally took the time to look around me and see His majestic hand of truth in this world and in our lives. Thanks, Caleb.
Dan Black
Thursday, March 6, 2014 @ 1:39 pm
Floyd,
It’s why God’s grace and mercy is so amazing and sufficient. We need His grace and love every moment of our life. Great repost!
Floyd
Thursday, March 6, 2014 @ 5:31 pm
Amen, Dan. It’s easy to forget that grace and mercy passed on to us through our Father’s sovereign hand! Thanks, Dan.
Dan Black
Thursday, March 6, 2014 @ 8:46 pm
It sure can be.
Lisa Shaw
Saturday, March 22, 2014 @ 8:19 am
Hello Caleb,
You visited my ministry site I believe per a link up from Wanda, a friend and writer at my blog. You commented on a post by one of the ladies and I thought I’d come here and visit. I’ve spent some time reading in the last half hour and in addition to this post, I enjoyed the time here. I look forward to reading more.
God bless you!
Lisa Shaw
Floyd
Saturday, March 22, 2014 @ 10:46 am
Thanks for the great post at your site today and for dropping in on mine, Lisa! Honored to have you!
Lisa Shaw
Saturday, March 22, 2014 @ 11:54 am
Thanks Floyd!
Floyd
Saturday, March 22, 2014 @ 3:15 pm
You’re welcome, Lisa.