Baloney Sandwich (Part 2)

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 18:9–14; Romans 6:1–2, 11–13

“Dad, that TV guy is in town,” Levi said excitedly. “Hudson’s family is going to see him, and he invited me to go along. Can I go?”

“What TV guy would that be?” Dad asked.

“The guy who contacts people who have died.” Levi hurried on when he saw Dad frown. “He’ll be at the civic center tomorrow night. Hudson says if I go there with him tomorrow, he’ll go to church with me on Sunday.”

“Levi, God forbids the kind of activity that man is involved in,” said Dad. “I can’t allow you to go be part of something like that.”

“But it’s for a good reason,” said Levi. “You know I’ve been trying to get Hudson to come to church. And his parents will be going to hear this guy, so maybe I can get them to come to church on Sunday too. I might not get another chance.”

“I think you’ve swallowed another baloney sandwich,” Dad said.

Levi looked at him in surprise. “You mean the sandwiches Satan likes to feed us? The ones made up of a little truth mixed with lies?”

Dad nodded. “The lie Satan wants you to believe is that it’s okay to disobey God in order to do some good. But while it would be great for Hudson and his parents to come to church so they can learn about Jesus, that’s not the way to show them what knowing Him is all about. God forbids trying to communicate with the dead because only He has power over death. I think staying home tomorrow night would help them understand more about your faith in Jesus than taking part in something that’s sinful.”

Levi sighed. “You’re right. I just wanted Hudson to come to church . . . and I guess I was a little curious about the guy on TV too. How does he talk to dead people?”

“He doesn’t,” answered Dad. “At best, he’s a scam artist who takes advantage of grieving people. And at worst, he communicates with demons who are fooling him and using him as their pawn.”

“Wow!” Levi was shocked. “I’ll tell Hudson I can’t go and why. Maybe he’ll come to church anyway. Otherwise, I’ll keep praying for him and ask Jesus to help me show him what being a Christian is really all about.” •Sherry L. Kuyt

How About You?

Do you sometimes think there’s a good reason to do something that’s wrong? Baloney! Stay away from that sandwich—it’s a lie Satan tries to feed you by mixing it with some truth to make it look good. Jesus died to free you from sin so you could obey Him and do what’s right. Trust and obey Him, even when you’re not sure how things will turn out.

Today’s Key Verse: Romans 6:1–2 Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

It’s never right to sin