Planning Ahead

Bible Reading: Proverbs 4:23-27; 1 Peter 3:13-17

“Hey, Rhett, you gotta see this,” Nolan said as he pulled up a website on

his tablet.

It didn’t take Rhett long to figure out they shouldn’t be looking at the website Nolan had pulled up. Looking away quickly, Rhett struggled to think of something to say, “Uh, I don’t think my dad would like it if I looked at that,” he murmured.

“Aw, come on. He won’t find out. You’re not going to tell him, are you?” Just then, Nolan heard his mother coming up the stairs, so he quickly swiped the website off the screen.

“Rhett’s dad is here,” Nolan’s mom said. “It’s time for him to go home.”

On the ride home, Rhett and his dad drove past some construction. “They’re sure making a mess,” said Rhett.

Dad smiled. “Yes, but they know what they’re doing,” he said. “The people in charge had to do a lot of planning before the project began. They had to consider the cost and whether it would be worth the time, money, and mess. When they’re finished, all of the potholes on that road will be gone.”

Rhett nodded, but he was still thinking about what happened with Nolan earlier. “Dad, Nolan showed me a website today that I shouldn’t have seen. I know God doesn’t want me to look at that stuff, but I didn’t know what to say.”

“Oh, buddy, I’m sorry,” said Dad. “That’s a tough situation, but I’m glad you want to do what’s right.” He paused. “You know how the people in charge had to make lots of plans to fix the road? It’s the same way with stuff like this. We need to come up with a plan for you so you’ll know what to say if you’re ever in a situation like that again.”

After praying together, Rhett and his dad figured out some things he could say if others ever wanted him to do something he knew was wrong. “Maybe you could tell them you want to stay away from things that could cause a lot of problems in your life,” suggested Dad. “Let’s brainstorm some other ideas for what to say to get out of tough situations. And remember that in some situations, the best thing to do is walk away.” – Marie Shropshire

How About You?

Has someone ever asked you to do something wrong? Talk with your parents or another Christian adult to figure out a plan for when that happens. You might want to suggest something different to do or give a reason why you don’t do stuff like that—or even just say no and leave. It’s not easy, but trust Jesus to give you courage and wisdom and remember He’s always with you.

Today’s Key Verse:
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Plan ahead how to answer