No Fooling

Bible Reading: Matthew 7:17-23

Sara yawned as she came into the kitchen. Her brother Joe glanced at her mischievously, then looked out the window. “Hey, Sara, how’d your bike end up on the roof of the garage?” he asked.

“What?” Sara ran to the window to see for herself. “Where?”

“April fool!” Joe laughed in delight. “Got ya!”

Sara grinned and gave her brother a soft punch on the arm as they sat down to eat.

At dinner, Sara and Joe talked about the April Fools’ jokes kids played on each other at school. “It’s fun to have a day where everyone plays jokes like that,” said Joe.

“As long as no one takes the jokes too far,” Dad said.

“Nobody did,” Sara assured him, “and everyone was expecting it since it was April Fools’ Day.” She paused to take a bite of broccoli. “But then there’s Louise. Today she was all smiles and sweetness to Mrs. Potter during math class, but then made fun of her during recess. Sometimes I don’t know what to make of her. She’s supposed to be a Christian, but there are times she doesn’t seem to act like one. Like she’s just fooling people.”

Dad frowned. “I can think of three people right here who don’t always act like Christians. Let’s keep that in mind. It’s possible for any one of us to fool others.”

“But I’ve seen Louise do that stuff too,” said Joe. “She acts one way around the teachers and another when they’re not looking. It’s hard to trust her.”

“Careful now,” said Dad. “Are you sure you’re not exaggerating? I’ve always liked Louise. She seems to be a very nice girl.”

“She can be,” said Sara. “But it seems like there’s another side to her that only some of us see.”

“Well, if what you say is true, that doesn’t mean she’s not a Christian,” said Dad. “We all struggle to do what’s right in some areas of our lives. But if any one of us is trying to fool people into thinking we’re Christians when we’re not, there’s someone who can never be fooled. God knows exactly what’s in our hearts. Now, let’s pray for Louise and think of ways we can show her love and support instead of talking about her.” – Hazel W. Marett

How About You?

Are you fooling someone into thinking you’re a Christian? You may fool your parents, pastor, teachers, and classmates, but you can never fool God. He knows exactly what’s in your heart. Admit your need for a Savior and trust in Jesus today! (See “The ABCs of Salvation” in the column to the right.)

Today’s Key Verse:
2 Timothy 2:19 The Lord knows those who are His.

Today’s Key Thought:

It’s impossible to fool God