The Id Badge

Read Matthew 10:32-38

As Kara and her mother studied the menu at the restaurant, they noticed a group of people wearing badges. “They must all belong to some club,” Kara commented.

Just then another man with a badge entered the restaurant and looked around quickly. He joined the group and introduced himself to them.

“Those people over there with badges are all politicians from other cities,” explained the waitress when she came to take orders from Kara and her mother. “There’s a meeting in our town today.”

When their food came, Kara and her mother bowed their heads and prayed before eating. Then Kara said, “Mom, it’s easy to pray in a restaurant, but is it really so important to do that at school? I know the kids will make fun of me.”

Looking thoughtful, Mom pointed to the group of people wearing badges. “That man found his group by looking for the badges,” she said. “Praying before a meal is something like that. It’s one way we can show that we’re Christians.”

The next day, Kara sat apart from the others in the lunchroom. She looked around fearfully. Then, taking a deep breath, she bowed her head and thanked God for her food. Soon Lindy, a classmate, joined her. “You must be a Christian,” said Lindy. “Well, I am, too, but I . . . I’ve been embarrassed to pray in front of everyone. Can I eat with you? We could pray together.”

“Sure,” agreed Kara. She grinned. “I ‘wore my badge,’ and I found another member of the club right away, didn’t I?” At Lindy’s puzzled expression, she added, “I’ll explain while we eat.”

How about you?

Do the kids at your school know you’re a Christian? A simple way to help identify yourself as God’s child is to pray before eating—even at school. Wear your Christian “badge” proudly! You may be surprised to find there are other Christians in your school, too.

Memorize:

“I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ.” Romans 1:16