AUGUST 24, Psalm 90:12, Ephesians 5:15, 16

“You need to eat more vegetables,” said Ethan, passing the vegetables to his sister. “Here. You haven’t had any of these yet.” Madeline made a face. “I don’t want any!” she exclaimed. “I don’t like vegetables.” Ethan helped himself to a spoonful of carrots. “Everyone should have two to three of vegetables a day.” “Since when did you become the vegetable expert?” asked Madeline. “We’re learning about the food groups at school,” Ethan replied. “We need to eat healthy food - like rice, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat.”

“No desserts?” asked Mom, pointing to the cake on the counter. “I guess that means no cake tonight.” A chorus of disappointment echoed around the table. “Oh, wait! Hold on!” Ethan rushed to explain. “If you’ve had plenty of good things from the other groups, a little dessert won’t hurt.”

“Wow!” smiled Mom. “So finish your healthy dinner, everybody, and then we’ll have the cake.” Later that evening, Ethan looked at the television screen. “May I play my video game?” he asked.

“Didn’t you already use up your game time today?” asked Dad. “Not all of it, and besides…” Ethan scowled as he plunked down on the couch, “all my friends get more game time than I do. I don’t understand why I can’t have more.”

Dad sat next to Ethan. “Let’s talk about that. At the table, you told us about dessert in relation to the food groups. What did you say?” Ethan looked at Dad in surprise. “I said we need healthy foods from each of the groups, and we shouldn’t eat too much dessert - but some is okay.”

“Yes. Your body needs healthy food, your mind, too,” Dad said. “Fill your mind with good, solid things. As a Christian you need to grow spiritually. Your priority therefore should be on spiritual activities like reading the Bible, and praying to God. “Like dessert, other activities of having some fun and games are okay, but not too much. If you fill up on them, you won’t have room for what’s really important in life.”

Thought: Is your mind getting too much “dessert”? Are you watching too much TV or Internet?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I learn well today’s lesson to use my time wisely and to exercise self-control! May I give priority to activities that help me grow spiritually. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.