Mind Your Heavenly Business

Bible Reading: Matthew 7:1-5; Romans 14:12-13

Josh sat down at the art table and immediately began working on the history assignment his teacher gave him to do. Taking the glue and scissors, he drew figures, then cut and pasted them onto his cardboard display. On a sheet of paper were some questions the teacher had written out, which Josh answered as he worked on his project. He barely noticed the other kids at the table as they also worked.

“That’s crooked,” piped up the boy next to Josh. He lay back in his chair, watching Josh work intently. “That guy doesn’t look right standing there. He should be over here.” He glanced at Josh’s paper. “And you’re probably going to get question number five wrong. You need to explain it more.”

Josh slumped down into his chair and crossed his arms.

“What’s the matter, Josh?” Mrs. Garret asked. “Why have you suddenly stopped working on your project?”

“Because it’s no good,” Josh said.

“Who says?” asked Mrs. Garret. Josh pointed to the boy next to him. “How come you’re not working on your own assignment?” she asked the other boy, nodding toward the blank sheet of paper in front of him. “It looks like you have a lot more to do, and you don’t have much more time.”

As the children continued to work, Mrs. Garret turned to Josh and said, “This makes me think of the sermon we heard last week.”

“How?” asked Josh. He and Mrs. Garret went to the same church, but he didn’t remember the sermon having anything to do with school projects.

“Well, instead of using the little time we have on earth doing the things God wants us to do, we often judge others on what they’re doing. Jesus saved us from sin so we could belong to Him and show His love to others, but sometimes we turn our focus to others’ shortcomings. As God’s children, we should be minding our heavenly Father’s business of building His Kingdom and showing others His love, not frittering away the hours nitpicking at someone else.”

Josh put the finishing touches on his exhibit and smiled broadly at his teacher. “Look!” he said.

Mrs. Garret looked it over and smiled. “Well done.” Beth Anne Ingram

How About You?

Are you learning all you can about Jesus and helping others know Him too? Or do you spend time picking out other people’s shortcomings? We’re all guilty of sin—that’s why Jesus died and rose again to save us. Instead of focusing on others’ flaws, trust God to help you fulfill His will for your life on earth. Build His kingdom by spreading the good news of Jesus and His love and forgiveness.

Today’s Key Verse:
Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Don’t judge others