The Donkey’s Tail

Bible Reading: 2 Peter 1:2-9

Jack wiggled impatiently as his Sunday school teacher tied a blindfold over his eyes. A big picture of a donkey without a tail was tacked on the wall, and it was Jack’s turn to be blindfolded and turned around a few times before walking to the donkey and attaching a tail. This will be easy, he thought. He had noticed that the donkey was just a little to his left and about as high as his shoulders.

When he was ready, Jack took a few wobbly steps, reached out and…there! He snatched off his blindfold and couldn’t believe his eyes. There stood the donkey with a tail growing right out of its nose! Jack joined in the laughter as Mrs. Gates blindfolded another boy who was ready to try.

After the game, Mrs. Gates had the kids sit down on the floor. She pointed to the donkey, which was still in place on the wall. “It would be easy to go right now and pin the tail in the right place,” she said. “What made it hard during the game?”

“We were blindfolded,” said one of the girls, “and we were dizzy from being turned around.”

“That’s right,” said Mrs. Gates. “Do you know that Christians are sometimes like that too? Attitudes that keep us from doing the right thing and showing God’s love to others are like spiritual blindfolds. What do you think some of those might be?”

Jack’s hand shot up. “Selfishness,” he suggested.

“Or being jealous of other kids,” said another boy.

“Or thinking you’re better than other people,” offered one of the girls.

Mrs. Gates nodded. “Things that are like spiritual blindfolds to us do not belong in our lives. When we trusted Jesus as our Savior, He set us free from sin and gave us everything we need to live godly lives for Him.” She opened her Bible. “The book of Second Peter tells us some of the qualities that show others our lives have been changed by Jesus. When we lack these things because we’re holding on to sinful attitudes, it says we become shortsighted—as though we’re wearing a blindfold. When you notice a spiritual blindfold in your life, don’t let it stay there—confess it to Jesus and trust Him to remove it.”

-Hazel W. Marett

How About You?

Are there spiritual blindfolds in your life—sinful attitudes that keep you from showing others God’s love? Are you quick to point out others’ faults? Do you always insist on having your own way? If you know Jesus, He has given you all you need to live a godly life. Confess any sinful attitudes to Him. Then trust Him to help you see others the way He does so you can show them His love.

Today’s Key Verse:
2 Peter 1:9 If you do not have these things [godly qualities], you are blind and cannot see far. You forget God saved you from your old life of sin. (NLV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Get rid of spiritual blindfolds