AUGUST 27, Romans 14:7-12

“Okay, young man! We’ve been watching you. Come with us.” Cold fear chilled the back of Bob’s neck when he heard the gruff voice. The woman who had spoken signalled a big man nearby, who immediately moved to Bob’s side at Jurong Point’s new big candy store. “Where’s Justin?”, wondered Bob. Taking a few candy bars was his idea, and now he’s just disappeared into thin air. Bob’s thoughts raced through his mind as he walked with bent head between the two security guards. Oh, how he wished the floor would open up and swallow him!

“Empty your pocket and put everything on the table,” said a woman when they reached a room. Then, Bob was asked questions about everything: name, address, school, parents, friends. “Were you alone in the store?” they asked. “When was the last time you shoplifted?” They didn’t seem to believe he had never taken anything before. On and on the questions came! “Okay, Bob. I want you to call your parents now,” the lady guard said finally. She motioned to the phone.

“Oh, no, please,” protested Bob. “I promise I’ll never, ever do…” “Call them,” interrupted the woman. When Bob heard his mother’s voice on the phone, he tried not to cry while he explained what had happened. And when she came to the store, Bob couldn’t look at her.

On the way home, Mom spoke gently. “Why did you do it, Bob? You know better.” The sadness of Mom’s tone made him feel even worse than before. “I’m really s-s-sorry,” he sobbed. “I don’t know why they had to tell you and Dad. I told them I’d never do it again, and I never will!” “You’ve made us very sad today, and you’ve made it necessary for us to punish you.” Mum said. “They were right to tell us,” she added. “You’re our child, so you’re responsible to us.” Mom paused. “How do you think God feels about this?” she asked. “You’re His child, too, so you’re also responsible to Him. You need to talk to Him about this, don’t you think?” Solemnly, Bob nodded.

Thought: Do you realize that you’re accountable to God as well as to your parents?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for today’s lesson. Sometimes my parents don’t always find out about sinful things I do, but God You do. As it is hard to face people I know I’ve hurt, it’s also hard and frightening to think about the punishment I know I deserve. Please forgive me for my sins. Please help me to think more deeply about spiritual things, to be more serious about the Bible and my spiritual life. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.