APRIL 9, Colossians 3:2

“You need to eat more vegetables,” said Kai Seng, passing the peas to his sister. “Here. You haven’t had any of these yet.” Mag made a face. “I don’t want any!” she exclaimed. “I don’t like peas.”

“Vegetables are very good for you.” Seng helped himself to a spoonful of carrots. “Everyone should have three to five servings of vegetables a day.”

“Since when did you become the vegetable expert?”asked Mag.“We’re learning about the food groups at school,” Seng replied. “We need to eat healthy food-like breads, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat.”

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

“Wow! That’s good news,” said Mom with a wink. “So finish your healthy dinner, everybody, and then we’ll have the cake. ”Later that evening, Seng 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...” Seng 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 down next to Seng. “Let’s talk about that,” Dad said. “At the table tonight, you told us about dessert in relation to the food groups. What did you say?” Seng 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, and your mind does, too,” Dad said. “Fill your mind with good, solid things; then give it dessert-but not too much!”Seng smiled. “And video games are the dessert?” he asked.  “Correct,” replied Dad. It’s fine to include some of those things, but God wants you to use self-control and make sure you’re getting healthy ‘mind food’ first. That will include reading the Bible and obeying what it says.

Thought: Is your mind getting too much “dessert”?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I fill my mind with the right things – by studying Your Word, reading the RPG and praying to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.