SEPTEMBER 10, Malachi 1:6

“Don’t forget-we’re having a special program at school tonight,” Tom reminded Mom one morning. “I’ll be in our class play, you know.” “We know,” answered Mom, “and we wouldn’t miss it!”

That evening, Mom and Dad watched proudly as the play began. Tom played the role of an emperor’s son who was unhappy with his life. “Why must I study all day?” he grumbled. “Why must I know all the responsibilities of an emperor and learn court etiquette stuff-and learn all the history of my father’s kingdom? Who cares what my great-grandfather did anyway?” He pushed his books away. “The village kids play and have fun. Why can’t I ever have fun? Everyday I’m told a prince must always remember to be careful with what he says – and that everyone watches what he does. It’s tiresome!”

“Prince!” exclaimed his tutor. “You should feel honored to be the emperor’s son and to have all the privileges you have!” The prince frowned. “Well, does that mean I can’t be human?” he asked. “Does it mean I must never lose my temper in public? I must never break a law? I must always look neat and clean and always say just the right thing?”

“Of course it does.” The tutor nodded. “You must never do anything that would bring shame to your father. You must be an example to the children in the village-and to everyone there.”

“Will I ever stop hearing all those do’s and don’ts?” grumbled the prince. “I’m sure the village children don’t hear them all day long.”

“You are not a village child. You are the son of the emperor,” lectured the tutor. “You must study and learn the ways of a king, for the village people are watching you. They expect you to display kingly qualities. If they look at you and see that you have no respect for your father, for his reputation and his laws, they will also lose their respect for him and won’t obey his commands. As a prince, you must bring honor to your father’s name.”

Tom’s parents and the others in the audience clapped loudly as the first scene of the play ended.

Thought: Are you the child of a king? Your earthly father isn’t a king, but if you’re a Christian, you’re a child of God-and He is the King of kings!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for today’s lesson. I will examine my life to see if it brings shame or honor to You. Help me, Heavenly Father, to obey what the Bible says and to live in a way that will bring honor to You. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.