The Dead Battery

1 Thessalonians 5:11-18

“I get so tired of Jim Simons! He’s supposed to be a Christian, but he sure doesn’t act like one,” grumbled Tony one evening. “He never buys a lunch, so he’s always begging stuff from me. And besides that,” added Tony, “he’s so rough when we’re playing. Then if he gets bumped a little, he tattles. We’re not going to hang around with him anymore.”

“Jim’s father is an alcoholic, isn’t he?” asked Dad. Tony nodded, and Dad continued, “And I believe his mother has to work long hours. Things must be pretty tough around his house.”

“And Jim’s a brand-new Christian,” added Mom.

The doorbell interrupted their discussion. It was their neighbor, Mr. Arroyo. “Hey, I’m sorry to bother you, but my car won’t start,” he said. “The battery isn’t strong enough to start the engine. Could you give me a jump?”

Tony watched as his dad first attached cables under the hood of his own car and then stretched them to reach Mr. Arroyo’s car. Mr. Arroyo tried to start his car again, and they all applauded when the dead engine jumped to life.

Dad put his hand on Tony’s shoulder as they walked back to the house. “Tony, Jim is like Mr. Arroyo’s battery,” he said. “He’s a Christian, but he gets drained emotionally and spiritually by his home situation. He needs someone stronger to give him a boost—he’s too weak to function on his own.”

Mom overheard the conversation. “Christians are supposed to help their weaker brothers,” she added. “The Bible tells us to bear the burdens of the weak and to encourage them.”

Tony understood what his parents were saying. He knew it wasn’t going to be as easy as jump-starting a car, but maybe he and the guys could get together and think of some ways to be friends to Jim.

How about You?

Are you irritated by some Christians you know? Maybe they need a helping hand, a listening ear, or a friendly smile to help “jump-start” their spiritual batteries. Perhaps you can think of other ways to offer encouragement.

Memorize:

“Share each other’s troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2