CBH Ministries- Keys for Kids: Run, Mike, Run


Mike got off the bus and started the mile walk home. He was joined by Stan and Bob, two high school students who lived on farms adjoining his. "Look, Bob," said Stan as they walked along a field of watermelons, "Let's each get one of those."

Bob hesitated. "I don't know," he said. "Last time we took one, Mr. Sloan caught us and said he'd report us if we did it again." 

"Yeah, but these are those little ones they call personal melons," said Stan. "They're so small, I bet they'll fit in our backpacks, and nobody will even see them." He grinned. "Mike, here, can be our watch-dog. How about it, Mike?" 

Startled, Mike hesitated. "I . . . I can't do that. I'd be as guilty as you," he said. 

"Nah. We'll be the ones getting the melons," said Stan. "We'll get you one, too. I'll even put it in your backpack. You won't have to touch it-until you eat it, that is." He grinned at Mike.

I'd sure like a watermelon, thought Mike. Do I dare? But he knew it would be wrong-it would be stealing-and suddenly he made up his mind. " I can't do that," he said, then he turned and ran.

Mike hadn't gone far down the road when a car stopped next to him. How glad he was to see that it was his dad! He quickly jumped into the car. 

"You seem to be in a rush to get home," his father said with a smile. 

"No, not really," replied Mike. He shrugged. "I was just running from a watermelon." 

"Interesting," said Dad. "I've never seen a watermelon chasing anybody."

Mike told him the whole story. "For a few minutes, I was really tempted. You know how I love watermelon. But I knew it would be wrong, so-I ran." 

"Good for you!" approved Dad. "If you hang around temptation, you just might give in and yield to it. It's best to run. And you're in good company, too. The Apostle Paul told Timothy twice to run from something. In one instance, he warned against love of money. Another time he told Timothy to 'flee youthful lusts,' or wrong desires. So you did exactly the right thing." Dad glanced at Mike. "And now . . . look in the back seat," added Dad with a grin. 

Mike turned. "A watermelon!" he yelled. There was a big grin on his face, too.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What do you do when you're tempted to do something wrong? Do you try to think of all the reasons why it might be okay for you to do it just this once? Don't kid yourself! If it's wrong, it's never okay-not even once. Perhaps you need to send up a quick prayer asking God to give you strength to do what is right. Then "run"-get away, if possible, from the situation where you're tempted. Sometimes it may even be a good idea to literally run away from the temptation.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace. 2 Timothy 2:22