February 2, 1 Peter 2:11

“How many bags of potato chips do we eat each month?” Dad asked, looking up from the newspaper. Mom shrugged. “Quite a few,” she replied. “Why?”

“Well, this article says potato chips are the favorite salty snack of many countries, especially America,” said Dad. “It says the average American child eats twenty-one pounds of them each year.”

“For a writing assignment a few weeks ago, we had to make a report about some popular food snack, and I chose potato chips,” said Alicia. “I read they were first made when a chef in a New York restaurant got angry! He had made French fries for a customer, and the man said they were cut too thick. The chef tried again-and when the man still complained, the chef got mad. Then he cut the potatoes really thin and fried them so hard they couldn’t be eaten with a fork. And that was the very first potato chip!”

Alex laughed. “Thank you, Mr. Chef!” he exclaimed. “I love potato chips!” Dad smiled. “There used to be an ad on TV that said, ‘Bet you can’t eat just one.’ Have you ever tried that?” Alex and Alicia laughed. “No way!” replied Alex. Alicia agreed. “One chip makes you want more. You try them, and before you know it, you’re addicted,” she said.

Mom added, “ For bad things that are addictive, it is easier to just avoid them rather than to risk getting addicted and struggle to stop,” she observed. Dad agreed and added, “Are you aware that sin can be addictive, too?”

“Good point,” agreed Mom. “That’s why we’re careful about what we watch on TV and on the internet or in movies, and why we allow only certain books and magazines in our house.” “And that’s why you warn us about drugs and smoking and alcohol, right?” asked Alex.

“Right.” Dad nodded. “It’s often easier to say no before you taste the devil’s food,” he replied. “If it’s questionable, don’t even try it.” “I understand now,” said Alicia. “We should say no right away because it might be addictive. Stick to potato chips – and don’t even eat too many of them!”

Thought: Have you ever tried something you knew was wrong? When Satan tempts you to say something nasty, tell a “white” lie, watch a show your parents have forbidden, or do some other wrong thing, don’t give in even one time.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder from today’s text that we are a special people. As such, I’m to glorify You and stay away from things that dishonour You. I know I’m tempted to do so at times, so Heavenly Father, teach me please. This is my prayer in Jesus’ name – amen.