Splashed Mud

Bible Reading: Psalm 1:1-6

“Mom, Skyler splashed mud on my new outfit!” said Anastasia when she came home from school. “I got off the bus first, and when he got off, he jumped right into a puddle and splashed muddy water all over me.”

“That’s too bad,” said Mom, “but it’ll wash out. I’m sure he didn’t mean to get mud on you.”

“Maybe not, but he didn’t have to laugh about it,” said Anastasia. “And he said it was my fault because I was standing so close to the puddle. It wasn’t my fault—it was his!”

A few days later, Anastasia came home from school looking upset. Mom didn’t look happy either when she met Anastasia at the door. “I got an email from your teacher saying you need to stay after school tomorrow,” Mom said. “What happened?”

“Mom, I didn’t do anything!” Anastasia said. “It’s the girls I sit with—they’re always teasing one of the younger kids who has a learning disability. I don’t tease him, but sometimes what they say is so funny I can’t help myself and have to laugh. Can’t you tell Mrs. Kirby not to keep me after school?” Anastasia looked hopefully at her mother.

“Anastasia, do you remember when Skyler splashed mud on you the other day?” Mom asked. Anastasia nodded. “Well, just like the mud splashed on you because you were close to Skyler and the puddle, the actions of your friends splashed over onto you too. Even if you didn’t start anything, you laughed along when they made fun of that boy and didn’t do anything to stop it. Your actions hurt him just as much as theirs did.”

“So I have to stay after school tomorrow?” asked Anastasia.

Mom nodded. “Anastasia, the Bible teaches us to choose friends wisely. That means we need to be careful about how our friends’ actions affect our own—whether they’re Christians or not. We need to remember that Jesus saved us from sin and let Him influence our actions, not other people. He’s the best friend anyone can have, and we need to show that in the way we treat others.” Christine P. Honey

How About You?

What kind of friends do you have? Do they encourage you to do things that are kind and helpful to others? Or do they urge you to say hurtful things and get into trouble? It’s important to choose friends wisely and to be careful about how they influence your actions. Don’t go along with them if they do things that are wrong. Instead, show everyone the love of your best friend—Jesus.

Today’s Key Verse:
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Choose friends with care