Dangerous Duds

Tommy’s family was having a cookout with their neighbors on the Fourth Of July. Everyone had enjoyed sitting around the fire pit, roasting hot dogs and making s’mores. “Okay, it’s dark enough,” Tommy said. “Time to light my fireworks!”

His little sister Bonnie clapped her hands. “Yay! Can I light some?” Wiping chocolate off Bonnie’s face, Tommy’s mom said, “No, honey. This is Tommy’s show.” Tommy started setting off the fireworks he’d bought. They shot showers of sparks, whistling and crackling. He lit a big one, but it fizzled out. Thinking it was a dud, his dad tossed it in the fire pit. Tommy kneeled to light another one. Just then the fire pit started popping and whistling. Flames and sparks shot high into the air!

The apostle Paul warned believers to keep watching out for sin. That’s because sin can cause trouble at any time. Now, some sins may seem like duds to you. In your life, they don’t seem likely to start “going off” like fireworks. Maybe you’ve never committed certain sins, like cheating or stealing. Or maybe you used to, but God helped you stop. That’s great! But stay alert so these sins don’t flare up suddenly. Keep guarding against “dud” sins as well as the ones that do seem likely to explode.

Bible Verse: If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! – 1 Corinthians 10:12

Words to Treasure: Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith. – 1 Corinthians 16:13