Christian Says
CHRISTIAN SAYS
Read 1 John 3:16-18, 23-24.
“I’m Simon—and remember, you must always do what Simon says,” Miss Elrojo, Anthony’s teacher, said.
The children straightened their posture, preparing for the competition.
“Simon says, ‘Thumbs up,’” said Miss Elrojo. So Anthony turned his thumbs up. “Simon says, ‘Step forward,’” Miss Elrojo instructed as she stepped forward. All the children followed her example. “Simon says, ‘Snap your fingers.’” But Miss Elrojo clapped her hands instead, and before Anthony could stop himself, he clapped his hands too.
After supper that night Anthony’s family learned a Bible verse during evening devotions. “We’ll learn 1 John 3:18,” said Dad. “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” They repeated it together, and Dad explained it. “Our actions should match our words,” he said.
“Hey,” laughed Anthony, “Simon should learn this verse.”
“Simon?” asked Mom. “What do you mean?” So Anthony explained the trouble he’d had when “Simon” said one thing but did another.
“That brings up a good point,” observed Dad. “As Christians, we sometimes act like we’re playing a game. Maybe it could be called Christian Says. Sometimes Christians say one thing and do another. Can you think of examples?”
“Christians say, ‘Read your Bible,’ and then they only open it on Sunday,” suggested Mom.
“Christians say, ‘Go to church,’ and then they stay home to watch a game on TV,” said Anthony’s brother.
“Christians say, ‘Be helpful,’ and then they don’t do chores,” added Anthony.
“You’ve got the idea,” said Dad.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you play Christian Says? Remember that people will often follow what you do rather than what you say. Listen to what God says, and love others in deed, not just in word.
TO MEMORIZE:
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
1 John 3:18
DON’T JUST SAY—BUT DO.
From the book
