Something to Practice

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 1:8-9; James 1:2-6

“Can I stay home tomorrow?” Prisha asked her mom, setting her backpack on the floor.

Mom looked surprised. “Why? Do you feel sick?”

“No, but I…I have a problem, and if I don’t go to school, I won’t have to worry about it.” Mom waited, so Prisha went on to explain. “Rowan wants me to let her see my answers on our math test tomorrow. Of course, I won’t do it, but I don’t want her to be mad at me.”

Mom raised her brows. “So if you stay home tomorrow, you won’t have to face the unpleasantness of telling her that you believe cheating is wrong?” Prisha nodded, looking hopeful. Just then, Shyla awoke from her nap and began to cry. “Would you go get your sister, please?” said Mom.

Prisha hurried to the baby’s room and lifted her from the crib. Shyla stopped crying and wriggled, trying to get down. “Are you ready to practice walking again, Shyla?” asked Prisha as she returned to the kitchen. She bent to set the baby down on the floor.

“Don’t put her down,” said Mom. “She might fall and get hurt.” Prisha gave Mom a puzzled look, and Mom shrugged. “She’ll walk when she’s older.”

Prisha frowned. “But, Mom! Shyla won’t learn to walk if she doesn’t practice.”

“That’s true,” Mom replied. “You can see that Shyla needs to practice walking, and I’m hoping you’ll see that you need to practice something too. You need to practice speaking up about what you believe.”

“You…you mean I should tell Rowan it’s wrong to copy. It’s cheating,” Prisha murmured. “But what if I say the wrong thing and make her mad?”

“Ask Jesus for help—He’ll give it,” said Mom. “He’s with you all the time and will help you do the right thing and let others know where you stand. Rowan might not like it, but that will give you an opportunity to tell her that you don’t want to do wrong things because Jesus has saved you from sin. You can practice depending on Him to help you.” She gave Prisha a hug. “Why not call Rowan right now and let her know you won’t help her cheat but you’ll help her study?”

Prisha hesitated. “Okay. I’ll do that.”

-Karen E. Cogan

How About You?

Do you stand up for what you believe? Or if a friend or classmate wants you to do something you know is wrong, do you just go along with it? When you feel pressured to do something that’s wrong, ask Jesus for wisdom and courage to let others know that you trust and obey Him. He is always with you and will help you when you face tough situations. Trust Him to help you stand up for what you believe.

Today’s Key Verse: James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Practice what you believe