Hibernating Christians

Bible Reading: Romans 13:11–14

“You know Spencer Jones, right?” Demitri asked as he helped his dad get the garden ready for planting.

“Sure,” said Dad. “He seemed to be a nice kid when I had him in my class at church. He memorized lots of verses and led in devotions too.”

“Yeah,” Demitri said. “He always acts like a Christian at home and church, but at school he’s too cool for all that. He hangs out with the popular kids and talks and acts like them, and whenever I see him at school, he pretends like he doesn’t even know me.” Demitri dug deeply into the freshly turned earth. “Look here, Dad!” he exclaimed. “I just dug up a toad!” He poked at the flabby mass. The toad offered no resistance. “Is it dead?”

Dad looked at the toad. “No, he’s not dead. Just sleepy. He’s been hibernating, and the ground isn’t warm enough yet to wake him up. His blood is cold, so he’s sluggish.”

Demitri pushed the toad with his foot. “Wake up, silly toad!”

“That toad reminds me of how we sometimes act as Christians,” Dad said as he leaned on his hoe. “To a large degree, a toad’s behavior is affected by his surroundings, and that can be true of us at times too. We might act like Christians only when we’re with Christians and then hibernate spiritually when we’re with unbelievers. We might not talk about Jesus and what He’s done for us or we might even join others in doing sinful things.”

“Like Spencer!” said Demitri.

“Perhaps,” said Dad. “But instead of judging him, let’s pray for him and examine ourselves. God made toads cold-blooded—their blood temperature corresponds with their surroundings and determines how active they are. But Jesus did not intend for His children to be controlled by their surroundings. He saved us so we could tell others how good He is and show them His love—all the time.”

Demitri nodded. “I guess there have been times when I’ve hibernated spiritually too.” He dug a hole and put the drowsy toad in it to continue its nap. “Time to go back to bed, Mr. Toad. It’s okay for you to let your surroundings make you sleepy, but not me. I need to act like a Christian whether I’m with other Christians or not!”

How About You?

Are you a warm-blooded, wide-awake Christian? Or do you talk and act like someone who knows Jesus only when you’re around other Christians? If so, it’s time to wake up! Live each day the way you know a person who loves Jesus should live.

Today’s Key Verse:
Romans 13:11 It is high time to awake out of sleep. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Don’t be controlled by surroundings