JANUARY 18, 2 Peter 3:14

“Look, Tracy! A bargain store!” exclaimed Barbara. “I am glad Mom said I could choose my own dress. Maybe I will find something here.”

“Maybe, but be careful,” warned her older sister. “Sometimes the stuff on these racks has something wrong with it. Like this rack here.” She pointed to some small lettering on a sign above the rack, and read it aloud. “Slightly stained. Greatly reduced in price. All sales final.” She looked at Barbara. “You had better look them over really well.”

“I will,” Barbara assured her. “Oh-h-h-h! This one is just what I want for the church anniversary.”She lifted a dress off the rack and looked it over. Sure enough – there was a small spot right on the front of the skirt. “I will wash that out,” declared Barbara. “No big deal.” Tracy wasn’t so sure, but Barbara tried the dress on and bought it.

After two washings and using spot remover, the stain remained. “Good thing I didn’t pay much for it,” said Barbara with a groan. Mother nodded. “It sure is,” she agreed. Then Mother frowned. “I saw Sandy at the store today,” she added. “She said you told her there wouldn’t be room in our car for her to ride to the church anniversary. Why did you tell her that? We will have plenty of room.”

“But Linda is coming with me, and we don’t really want Sandy to go with us,”mumbled Barbara.“It is no big deal.”Mother sighed.“Like the spot in your new dress?”she asked.“The value of the dress was greatly reduced by that small spot. Something like that can happen to a Christian’s testimony, too.” “What do you mean?” asked Barbara.

“Maybe what you told Sandy was ‘no big deal’ to you. You might consider it only a little lie – only a small stain,” said Mother. “But when Sandy finds out that you lied, the value of your Christian testimony will probably be greatly reduced. Do you think this will help her want to become a Christian?”

Barbara looked down. She knew Mom was right, but what could be done about it? She looked up as Mother spoke again. “It is not too late to do something about this,” she said. “Give Sandy a call and tell her that we do have room, and she can ride with us.” Barbara nodded and headed for the phone.

Thought: Is there some sin – some stain in your life?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to obey Your Holy Word. May You help me to be honest and truthful to others always. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.