NOVEMBER 7, 1 Samuel 2:2

Buttons, Dan’s dog, raced around the living room, barking at the men who were carrying out the tattered old couch and chair. He romped across the faded, threadbare rug while the workmen were trying to roll it up. “Dan” called Mom, “please take Buttons outdoors.” “All right,” Dan answered. “Come on, Buttons. You’re excited, aren’t you, boy?”

A few hours later, everything was finally done. “Wow, Mom!” Dan exclaimed. “This room looks great! Everything is so clean and nice now!” “Yes, we’ve been needing new things for a long time,” said Mom. Just then Buttons ran into the room. “Sorry, but you have to get that dog out of here!” exclaimed Mom.

“But, Mom,” protested Dan as he went over and picked up Buttons, “he wants to see the new stuff, too. You’ve always let him come in here before.” “That was when we had our worn-out furniture and that grimy old rug,” Mom replied. “I want our new things kept clean! Out he goes!”

“Sorry, old boy,” said Dan as he took Buttons to the kitchen. That night, Dad told the family about a man he had talked with. “Joe can’t understand that he needs Jesus,” said Dad. “He often helps his neighbours and has received several awards for community service. Joe is sure he is good enough to make it to heaven on his own. His friends think so too.

“Hey! He’s like Buttons!” observed Dan. “Buttons was allowed in the living room when the furniture and carpet were old, so he thinks he’s good enough to be in there with the new stuff, too. I would have let him in, but not Mom. When he went in, Mom had me take him right out!” Dan nodded. “Joe and his friends think he’s good enough for heaven, but God doesn’t.”

“That’s right!” agreed Dad. “We may be good enough for this sinful old world, but we’re too dirty to live in heaven. God would never allow us in until we let Jesus wash away our sin with His blood.”

Thought: Do you think God will let you into heaven just because you’re kind, helpful, loving and generous?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending the Lord Jesus to save me from my sins. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.