Joel’s Machine
JOEL’S MACHINE
Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
“It’s a great car, huh, Dad?” Joel watched as his father polished the hood. The car shone in the sunshine, the dark red interior contrasting sharply with the gleaming white paint.
“It sure is,” agreed Dad, putting the cleaning rags away. He found a hammer and held it out to his son. “Here. Slam this into the windshield for the fun of it.”
“Dad! You’ve gotta be kidding! What would I do that for?” asked Joel.
“I’m glad you have better sense than to do that,” said Dad with a smile. “Let’s talk for a minute. When you were born, God gave you a beautiful, precision-built ‘machine,’ your body. He asks that you treat it well. That’s not expecting too much, is it?” Joel shook his head, smiling at the comparison, and Dad continued. “You’ve seen the TV ads showing young men and women who have drug problems, haven’t you?”
Joel nodded. “Yes, Dad, I’ve seen them.”
“Well, Son,” continued Dad, “there may come a time when people you know will suggest that you try drugs just once. ‘Just for kicks,’ they may say, or maybe to prove you’re not ‘chicken.’ But just as it would be crazy for you to slam that hammer into our new car,” Dad nodded toward the driveway, “it would be even crazier to do something to destroy your wonderful body.”
Joel nodded. “You can trust me to keep my ‘machine’ in good shape.” Then he added, “Thanks for talking about this. I’ll remember!”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has anyone asked you to do something you know is wrong? It may happen, and if it does, just say no. If you’re a Christian, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Use it to glorify God.
TO MEMORIZE:
My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!
Proverbs 1:10
KEEP YOUR BODY PURE.
From the book
