The Experiment

Bible Reading: Proverbs 4:14-27

BANG!

“What on earth are you doing?” Ty’s mom exclaimed as she rushed down the basement stairs. She gasped when she reached the bottom.

“I was just experimenting with my chemistry set,” said Ty. “I didn’t know the stuff would blow up.”

Mom frowned. “That’s like someone saying ‘I didn’t know the gun was loaded’ after shooting someone.”

“But I have to experiment!” said Ty. “How else will I learn?”

“Maybe by reading about something before you experiment with it?” Mom sighed. “You’ve been experimenting with some other things too, haven’t you? I saw a website on your phone when you left it out the other day, and we both know it wasn’t one you should be looking at.”

Ty sighed. “Someone at school showed it to me. I figured it’d be okay to click through it a bit as long as I didn’t go overboard. I was just curious.”

“So even though you’ve been warned about websites like that, you decided to experiment and try it yourself?”

Ty shrugged. “I guess.”

Mom reached into a cupboard, took out a bottle of lye, and poured some into a glass. “Have a drink,” she said, holding it out to him.

“Mom!” Ty said, looking at the picture of a skull and crossbones on the bottle. “That’s poison!”

Mom nodded. “Yes, and I’ve heard that just one sip will burn your mouth horribly, but you don’t really know that, do you? You haven’t tried it yourself. Sure you don’t want some?”

“No, thank you!” Ty looked at her curiously. “Would you really have let me drink that?”

“Of course not,” said Mom. “I just want you to see that it isn’t always necessary to try things to know they should be avoided. Looking at websites like that is not only sinful, it can cause a lot of problems in your life. That’s why Jesus wants you to listen to the wisdom of others—like your parents—who warn you against sin. He saved you from sin, and He wants you to steer clear of its harmful effects in your life.” – Harry C. Trover

How About You?

Do you think you need to try everything for yourself—even sinful things? It’s dangerous to experiment with anything that can harm your body or your mind. Jesus saved you from sin and wants you to turn away from things that hurt both you and others. Ask Him to give you wisdom, and listen to your parents and other responsible adults. Depend on Jesus to help you leave sin alone.

Today’s Key Verse: Proverbs 4:14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil.

Today’s Key Thought:

Don’t experiment with sin