AUGUST 25, 1 John 1:9

Kok Soon is an obedient boy. He listens to his parents and does what they ask him to do. He does not complain nor murmur. Furthermore, he is brilliant and hardworking and would do well in class. His parents are proud of his achievements but he is not arrogant because he learnt in Sunday school not to be.

Always willing to help others, he gives guidance to weaker students. Sometimes when his classmates come to school without money to buy food during recess, he is ever ready to share his food or lend them the little he has. He also helps out in his neighbour’s provision shop when he has free time. He does all these because he wants to follow the teachings of the Bible. Every Sunday, he goes to Sunday School, enjoys the lessons and has fun with his friends in the church. He seems a model child that every parent wishes his child may be!

However, one morning Kok Soon wakes up feeling troubled in his heart. He has never felt such a feeling before. He felt that although he has done all the “good things”, he has been doing them only to please his parents. There was a spiritual emptiness inside. You see, Kok Soon has not accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Saviour. Why then does he do all these “good things”? Only to please his parents. He had been putting on a show all this while! That morning, he prayed for the Lord to forgive him and for Jesus to be his personal Saviour. And you know what – he felt such relief and happiness after that!

In the past, Kok Soon thought that doing all the right things like pleasing parents, attending church and helping people will make him a Christian. That is not true. Being “good children” and attending church regularly does not make you a Christian. You must personally accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.

Thought: I should speak to my parents or Sunday School teacher if I am not sure if I am saved.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and save me by the blood of Christ. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.