No Returns
NO RETURNS
Read Hebrews 12:14-17.
Katie twirled in front of the department store mirror, admiring the blue dress she had found on the clearance rack. It’s too short, but Mom can fix that, she thought. I can return it if I change my mind. She had decided to use her Christmas money to buy a dress.
When Katie brought the dress home, Mom pointed out that there wasn’t a wide enough hem to lengthen it. Besides that, there was a stain on the sleeve. “I’d better take it back,” Katie said. But when she went back the next day, the salesclerk pointed to a large sign on the wall: No Refunds on Clearance Merchandise.
Katie pouted. “I didn’t see that sign before.”
“I’m sorry,” said the clerk, “but that’s the store’s policy, and I can’t change it.”
Katie trudged home and told her mother about it. “I’m sorry, honey,” said Mom. “Maybe we can cut off the sleeves and turn it into a short-sleeved shirt.”
Katie frowned. “I guess so, but I wish I could just take it back.”
“I do too,” agreed Mom. “But there’s a lesson here. Foolish decisions often carry lasting consequences, and no amount of wishing can turn back the clock. Sometimes people make foolish decisions about whether or not to obey God. It’s so important to ask Jesus to help you make right decisions.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ask God to help you make the right decision whenever you’re tempted to be unkind, lie, or cheat? You can come to Christ for forgiveness after you’ve sinned, but you may never be able to undo the consequences. Ask God to help you obey Him in all things. He will help you do so.
TO MEMORIZE:
Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.
Galatians 6:7
SIN HAS LASTING CONSEQUENCES.
From the book
