Tell and Show

Bible Reading: Philippians 2:13-16

“Look over there, Maria!” Seth pointed. “There’s a parking space right by the door.” Mom had allowed Maria to take the car to school, and now they had to stop for some groceries before heading home.

As Maria drove toward the empty spot, she saw a blue and white sign. “We can’t park there,” she said. “It’s reserved for handicapped people. We’re not allowed to use it.”

“Oh, come on!” said Seth. “We’re in a hurry.” Just then another car pulled into the space. “That guy doesn’t look handicapped,” Seth said when they saw a man get out of the car and walk toward the store. “We could have parked there!”

“You can’t always see a person’s handicap,” said Maria, “and he does have a sticker.” She drove on and soon found another place to park.

When they got home, Seth told Mom about the parking spaces. “Maria wouldn’t park there, but I don’t see why we couldn’t. That man didn’t look any more handicapped than I do. He didn’t have a cane or a walker or anything!”

“Oh, Seth! You’ve been complaining the whole way home,” said Maria. “Like I told you, there are different kinds of handicaps, and some don’t show—like heart or breathing problems.”

“That’s true,” said Mom. Seeing Seth scowl, she added, “There are other kinds of handicaps too—ones that can affect us spiritually. Bad attitudes or actions, for example.”

“Bad attitudes?” asked Seth. “I don’t get it.”

“When Christians have bad attitudes or do bad things, they’re handicapped in their testimony for the Lord,” explained Mom. “It makes it hard for others to tell that they know Him.”

Seth knew Mom was thinking of him. “Maybe those people should have handicap stickers and special parking places too,” he said, trying to make a joke.

“I don’t think so,” said Maria dryly.

Mom shook her head. “It certainly would not be a sticker we’d be proud of,” she said. “We need to tell people we’re Christians, but we also need to show it by the way we live.” – Sharyl Noelle

How About You?

Do you practice what you’ve learned from God’s Word? Today’s Key Verse lists three things that develop your character and help you be more like Jesus. When you show others the love of Jesus through your attitude and actions as well as through your words, it helps draw others to Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ERV) Always be full of joy. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus.

Today’s Key Thought:

Tell and show your love for God