CAREFUL
WALK
Fourth
of seven in Let’s Get Busy Series
Ephesians
5:1-17
Ephesians
5:1-2: “Be imitators of God, therefore,
as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and
gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ten year old classmate buddies, Brad and Jeremy, planned
a Christmas party for their football team after the season ended. “My mom said we could use our rec room
downstairs.” Jeremy began.
Brad’s eyes brightened. “My mom said that she’d spring for
chili, potato chips, pretzels and root beer,” he added.
“I’ll bet that my mom would bake cookies, too,” Jeremy
offered.
“Maybe we could get your older brother to sneak in some
real beer?” Brad wondered.
Jeremy thought about that, then responded, “I’ll ask Mike
tonight.”
Beer is alcohol.
The boys knew they were under age to legally drink beer. But, beer would add another dimension of fun
to their party. They’d feel so grown
up. It never occurred to either of them
what might happen if they got their wish.
When kids get drunk on alcohol, bad things are bound to
happen. Even though none of the boys are
old enough to drive, several plan to ride their bikes to the party. Alcohol makes people feel brave, and decision-making
suspicious. Even risky. Risk doesn’t carry sufficient weight to stop party
people from considering awful possible outcomes to wrong decisions.
Mike would be found out.
All boys involved would be punished.
It takes a very longtime for kids to regain parents’ trust after they’re
caught in deceit.
Apostle Paul warns in Ephesians 5:15-16: “Be very
careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every
opportunity, because the days are evil.”
All of life’s dangers are offered to kids on silver
platters. We would be wise to walk carefully. When something sounds fun, it’s smart to
consider whether evil [lying, for example] is behind our desires.
Unwise decisions cause people to stumble and fall. Ouch!
“Be imitators of God” Paul advises.
Take
Home Nugget
Before bedtime, Jeremy casually asked Mike, “Just say
that you might want to drink a beer.
Could you get one?”
Mike shrugged his shoulders and said, “You know that mom
and dad would give me one if I really wanted it.”
“You’d stay home.
It would be totally safe.” Jeremy said, hopeful.
“Oh wait, I get it.
I will NOT sneak beer into your football party!” Mike said flatly. “I’m gonna forget you even mentioned it!”
Jeremy breathed out a long sigh. He simply said, “Thanks, Mike. Root beer will work out fine.”
How much we need to walk a measured pace
When planning to meet Jesus
face-to-face!
J.D.
Griffith
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