When his mother called him into the kitchen, Steven reluctantly left his game. "What do you want?" he asked irritably.
"Please take care of your books and sweep up the cookie crumbs you left on the floor," said Mom. "And don't eat any more cookies. I have just enough for the meeting at church."
"Well, don't leave them out in the open if you don't want them eaten," grumbled Steven with a scowl.
"Steven! That was rude!" exclaimed Mom. "I expect an apology."
"Sorry," muttered Steven. He got the broom, and Mom left to do laundry.
When his sister Kara came into the room, Steven was still sweeping. "Why are you doing that?" she asked in surprise.
"Beat it!" Steven growled. "Who asked you to stick your nose in?"
"Excuse me!" said Kara dramatically. "I came to tell you something, but now I don't know if I will." Steven punched her on the shoulder, and she darted behind the table. "Your coach called today," Kara said. "Mr. Williams wants to hire you to do some yard work. And guess what! He said to be sure to tell Mom he appreciates your respectful attitude! What a laugh!"
"I don't know what's so funny," said Steven.
"You are," retorted Kara. "I heard your Sunday school teacher carry on about you, too--telling Dad all about what a fine Christian you are! I guess you've got 'em all fooled, but I think you're just a . . . a sometimes Christian! You'd better not invite any of your teachers to our house. If they see how you act around here, they'll know what a phony you are." Suddenly Kara snapped her fingers. "On second thought, bring one home every day. Then maybe you'll act as nice here as you do in other places." With that, she headed for the family room.
What's her problem? thought Steven. I haven't done anything so bad. But he couldn't forget what she had said. The phrase "a sometimes Christian" rang over and over in his head. I don't like that, but . . . was I really that bad? Steven wondered. He sighed. I guess I was. I better apologize to Mom and Kara, he decided. I'll go do that right away and get it over with.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you as kind to your brothers and sisters as you are to your friends? Do you speak as respectfully to your parents as you do to your teachers? If your family graded you on the way you behave at home, would they give you an A? You may fool most people with nice words and a show of good deeds, but your family knows whether or not your life is really showing Christ’s love. And don’t forget—God knows, too.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: Psalm 133:1 (KJV)
How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
*Verse displayed is NKJV