Exploring Street Theology

Characters from Mr Men

In 1971 English author Roger Hargreaves began writing his Mr. Men series of children's books.  Each book tells the antics of various characters who’s names describe the personality and how these are played out in their lives.  The first 7 books featured Mr Tickle, Mr Greedy, Mr Happy, Mr Nosey, Mr Happy, Mr Sneeze, Mr Bump.

Across the last 40 years many a child has learned the various lessons from the Mr Men Series.

The Old Testament has a similar array of characters outlined in the book of Proverbs.  We find the writer speaking of Mr Wise (Proverbs 22:17-21), Mr Fool (Proverbs 18:2-3), Mr Simple (Proverbs 9:16), Mr Righteous (Proverbs 13:6), Mr Prudent (Proverbs 16:21), Mr Scoffer (Proverbs 29:8).  And just like Roger Hargreaves Mr Men sequel written by son, Adam Hargreaves of Little Miss books, the writer of proverbs speaks of Miss Quarrelsome (Proverbs 21:19), Miss Beautiful (Proverbs 31:30), Miss Gracious (Proverbs 11:16), Miss Worthy (Proverbs 31:10-31).

I have added the text reference for you to explore at your leisure.

Galatians 5:22-23 points to the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  

Here Paul exhorts Christians to become like Miss Joy, Mr Kindness, Miss faithfulness Mr Gentleness and so forth. He lists characteristics as the fruits of the Spirit. Why not consider them now, not as an examination of conscience, but imagining God 'stocktaking', rejoicing at the discovery of each of these gifts in our lives, cherishing what is there while offering me more. As I come to pray, may we recognise whatever is that it may come between us and the freedom God has in mind for us.

Dear Lord, grant us strength and courage as we face the many decisions to divert from Your plan of truth and righteousness.  May godly character be that by which we are known, for a good name is more desirable than great riches.  (Proverbs 22:1)  May the rewards of our good character lead to blessings for ourselves as well as for our children.  (Proverbs 20:7) And may our children be known by their actions as well, by whether their conduct is pure and right.  (Proverbs 20:11)  

Help us to make every effort to grow in our character as we add to our faith, goodness, and knowledge, and self-control, and perseverance, and godliness, and brotherly kindness and love.  For if we possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen