Helping Gramps

Read: Romans 12:4-8; 1 Timothy 4:12

“Tobias, Gramps just called. He needs you to help him on his computer this afternoon,” Mom called from the kitchen.

Tobias giggled. “Always glad to help Gramps.”

After school Tobias walked to his grandpa’s house. “Thanks for coming over,” Gramps said. “I just get so confused when I’m trying to order anything online, and you always seem to know exactly what you’re doing.” Gramps sighed. “All this computer stuff is just too hard for an old guy like me to learn.”

“No, it’s not, Gramps. I’ll help you!”

Tobias showed Gramps how to order the item he needed. “Thanks for your help,” Gramps said as he clicked the order button. “Are you still free to go fishing this weekend?”

Tobias nodded eagerly. “I can’t wait!”

On Saturday morning, Tobias climbed into the johnboat with Gramps. “I’m going to show you how to use the trolling motor today,” Gramps told him.

“I don’t know, Gramps. Do you think I can do it?”

“Sure you can!” Gramps carefully explained how to start and maneuver the trolling motor, then turned it over to Tobias.

At first Tobias had a little trouble getting the motor started. Then it took a little time to get used to steering it. But by the end of the day, he could steer the boat with no trouble.

“Thanks for sticking it out with me today until I got the hang of it. It was a lot of fun!”

“Next time you can be the captain,” Gramps said as he grabbed the cooler out of the boat. “Now, let’s get these fish cleaned.”

As they cleaned the fish, Gramps said, “You know, you and I helped each other learn something new this week. It reminds me of how Christians are supposed to help each other.”

Tobias looked confused. “How?”

“Everyone who trusts in Jesus is part of His church, which the Bible calls the body of Christ. We’re all different—some people are old like me, some are young like you, but we can all learn from each other and encourage one another in our faith.” Gramps smiled at Tobias. “You’re never too young to help others know more about Jesus.”

Tobias smiled back. “Or too old to learn something new about Him!”

–Lisa Fuller

How about you? Do you ever think you’re too young to help someone older than you? You’re not. We all learn and experience different things in life, which means any of us can use what we’ve learned to help someone else, no matter how old we are. That’s especially true in the body of Christ. Never be afraid to share what you’ve learned in your walk with Jesus. Your words might be just the encouragement someone needs to hear!

Today’s key verse: In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:5 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Help others learn about Jesus