Living On The Edge

Living on the Edge

Bible Blast: Read 1 Peter 2:9-12

Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 1 Peter 2:11

When you see other people around you doing wrong things, it can be hard not to do those things too—especially if it looks like they’re having fun while they do it. Since you’re a Christian girl, there are some activities you just have to stay away from. Remember how we said earlier in the year that when you know what you should do but don’t do it, it’s sin? (See James 4:17.) That’s really true, and that commitment to doing what’s right will be tested as you grow up.

I’ve talked to Christian girls and guys who think they can do whatever they want as long as they don’t do any of the “big, really bad” sins. For instance, they feel like they can say inappropriate things and dirty words as long as they don’t say any of the really, really bad words that could get them into deep trouble. But Ephesians 5:4 says those things shouldn’t be a part of a Christian’s life at all. It says that dirty stories, foolish talk, and inappropriate jokes aren’t for you at all.

Part of living for Christ is making choices that are different from what everyone else in the world is doing. You can’t just stay away from the really bad things and then expect God to be pleased with that. Love God with your whole heart and your whole life. Ask him what you should and shouldn’t do, and he’ll show you, especially through his Word. There’s a danger in letting yourself get really close to sin. Let me share a story with you to explain what I mean.

Jack Ackerman was a golfer. One day in 1934 he was playing golf in Belleville, Ontario. He hit the ball, and it landed right on the lip of the hole that he was shooting for. It was so close to being a hole in one. Then a butterfly came fluttering by and decided to take a rest on that golf ball. It was just enough to knock the ball into the hole!^a

When we live our lives really close to sin, it doesn’t take very much at all to knock us right over that line. So instead of snuggling up close to sin, grab onto the things that please God!

Girl Gab: Tell your mom what some of the “big” sins are that you would never do. What are some of the “little” sins you need God’s strength to stay away from?

^a See Napoleon’s Hemorrhoids (And Other Small Events That Changed History) by Phil Mason.