Fire!

Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 4:11-16

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story’s subject matter may not be suitable for young children.

As Aaron helped Dad make dinner, he told him about the behavior of some of his classmates. “Those kids are only twelve or thirteen years old, like me,” said Aaron, “but you should hear them brag about kissing and stuff, Dad. They say it’s okay to fool around because everybody’s doing it.”

Dad was about to respond, then stopped and looked at the window. Aaron turned and saw a few pieces of what looked like burning paper blow to the roof of the tool shed and set its old shingles ablaze.

Soon fire engines came roaring down the street. The firefighters put out the blaze, but not before the shed and some of its contents were badly damaged.

“I’m so sorry,” sobbed Aaron’s six-year-old brother, Josiah. “I wanted roasted marshmallows like we have when we go camping, so I made a small fire in the backyard, but it got out of control!”

After everything had calmed down and Josiah went to bed, Aaron and Dad sat down in the living room. “Wow,” said Aaron. “What a night!”

Dad nodded. “I think Josiah has learned his lesson about playing with fire.” He looked at Aaron. “But if all the kids on our block played with fire, would that make it okay?”

Aaron laughed. “No way! They’d probably burn down all our houses.”

“Well, I was just thinking of the conversation we were having before all the excitement,” Dad said, “and doing things that could lead to sin is like playing with fire—including ‘kissing and stuff.’ It can easily get out of control.”

“And sin causes a lot of trouble, like Josiah did when he played with fire, right?”

Dad nodded. “In this case, it could lead to doing things the Bible says are for a husband and wife only. And disobeying God about sex can have very serious consequences. Like all sin, it hurts us and hurts our witness for Jesus.”

“But God will still forgive people for that, right?” asked Aaron.

“Of course,” said Dad. “We can confess any sin to Him, and He will forgive us—like those firefighters put out the fire tonight. But, just like fires, there’s far less damage if we don’t sin in the first place. Guard yourself against sin by keeping your body pure.” – Mary Rose Pearson

How About You?

Do kids your age do things that should wait until they’re older—or specifically until they’re married? Are you ever tempted to try some of those things? It’s very dangerous. Sinning by doing things God designed only for marriage hurts you and other people, as well as your witness for Jesus. Obey God and show others that you follow Jesus by keeping your body pure.

Today’s Key Verse: 1 Timothy 5:22 Keep yourself pure.

Today’s Key Thought:

Keep your body pure