The Paper Route

Bible Reading: Matthew 25:14-29

“It’s not fair,” said Carson as he and Xavier came into the kitchen. “I’m your own brother!”

Mom looked up. “What are you two arguing about?”

“Xavier asked another kid to do his paper route for him while he’s at camp,” Carson told her. “He could have asked me. He knows I could use the money.”

“I asked you to help me not long ago,” Xavier said. “I told you to put the papers on the porches in case it rained. But you were in such a hurry to finish, you just tossed them toward the houses, not bothering to see where they landed. It did rain, and my customers were not happy.”

“I remember hearing Xavier warn you that his customers complain when their papers get wet,” said Mom. “I guess it’s no wonder he doesn’t want to give you the responsibility of his paper route for a whole week!”

Carson glared at his brother. “I think he’s being mean,” he muttered as he stomped away.

For devotions that evening, Dad read a story Jesus told about three servants each given money by their master to take care of while he was away. “What happened to the servants who faithfully took care of the things they were responsible for?” Dad asked.

“They were rewarded,” said Xavier.

“Yes. And how about the one who didn’t do well with his responsibilities?” Dad asked, looking at Carson.

“Um…” Carson couldn’t help but think about how irresponsible he had been with Xavier’s newspaper route. “He got scolded, and the little bit he had was taken away from him.”

“That’s right,” said Dad. “It’s a good reminder for us to check up on ourselves to see how we’re handling our responsibilities. As Christians, we’ve been given duties in God’s kingdom. It’s our responsibility to live in a way that shows others we’ve been saved by Jesus and points people to Him. When we faithfully carry out the responsibilities He gives us in life—even simple tasks—we’re serving Him and showing others what He’s like.”

I guess I wasn’t very faithful when I got all Xavier’s customers mad at him, Carson thought. I’m gonna do better. Then maybe Xavier will trust me enough to let me do his route again sometime.

-Carolyn E. Yost

How About You?

Are you faithful in little things? Or do you just try to get them done as quickly as possible? As Christians, we have a responsibility to point people to Jesus and show them His love, and when we faithfully serve others—even in small ways—we’re working for the kingdom of God. Show others the love and faithfulness of Jesus by being faithful in all your tasks.

Today’s Key Verse:
Luke 16:10 If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Faithfully serve Jesus