Replace It!

Bible Reading: Romans 12:1-2

“What smells so funny?” Will asked as his older brother Elliot drove the car into the garage. “Is it the engine?”

Elliot sniffed and made a face. “Maybe. I’d better check it out.”

Will got out of the car and watched as Elliot opened the hood. They gasped in surprise. Green coolant was splattered everywhere! Will waved away a smelly cloud of steam with his hand. “What happened?”

“Hard to say,” Elliot replied. “But it’ll have to wait till tomorrow.”

When Will got home from school the next day, Elliot was working on the car. “Did you find out what was wrong?” Will asked.

Elliot pulled his head out from under the car hood. “Yeah, I think I got it figured out.” He picked up a tool. “How was school today?”

“It was…okay,” Will answered as he stepped over to see the engine.

“Just okay?” Elliot asked.

“A lot of stuff at school bothers me—like some of the things kids talk about and jokes they tell. It all ends up filling my head, even though I don’t want to think about that junk.”

“It gives you bad thoughts, huh?” Elliot gave one more twist to a bolt. “I know how you feel. When bad thoughts come to my mind, it helps to replace them with good ones.” He stepped back and viewed his work. “Kind of like this engine.”

“What do you mean?” Will asked.

“Well, there was coolant all over because the radiator hose split open. I couldn’t leave the hose there, but just taking it out wouldn’t help either. I had to replace it,” Elliot explained. “It’s the same with bad thoughts. They have to be replaced.”

“So where do you get good thoughts to replace them with?” Will asked.

“You already have them,” Elliot replied. “Because you trust in Jesus, He’s changing the way you think. Whenever bad thoughts come, you don’t have to let them take control of your mind. Set your mind on Jesus, who died on the cross to free you from sin, and trust Him to help you change your thoughts so they’re focused on His truth and love instead.” Elliot slammed the hood shut. “I’m done. Wanna take the car on a test drive?”

Will grinned as he opened the passenger door. “Let’s go!” -Carol Albrecht

How About You?

Do you struggle with bad thoughts? When thoughts of bad things you’ve seen or heard seem to take over your mind, turn to Jesus. Remember that He died on the cross for every one of your sins and is renewing your mind so you can think the way He does. Try to recite a Bible verse you’ve learned, or think about a special blessing He’s given you. Replace bad thoughts with the goodness of His truth and love.

Today’s Key Verse:
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Replace bad thoughts with God’s goodness