February 13, James 3:10; Matthew 12:34b

Beng Lee and his family visited their granddad in Malaysia. Since it was a modest house, everyone had to squeeze a little over the next few days.

“I’ll pray,” said Beng Lee as they had dinner. He thanked God for the food. Then looking up, he groaned. “Oh, no! Not broccoli again! And I don’t like chicken!” But he knew he had to eat some, so he took a small portion each. “This chicken is way too spicy,” he complained between bites.

Dad frowned. “Beng Lee, do you suppose God heard your prayer tonight?” Beng Lee looked surprised. “Sure,” he said. Dad asked again. “Did He hear your grumbling, too?” Beng Lee looked down at his plate. “I guess so,” he admitted slowly. “Then which did God believe?” asked Dad. “Your prayer of thanks, or your complaints? After dinner, we’re going out to the old well. I think it has something to teach you.” Beng Lee was not sure what dad was talking about, but his father knew – he lived there as a boy.

When they arrived at the well later, Beng Lee watched as Dad let down the bucket and hauled up water. “Are we going to water the garden?” asked Beng Lee. He saw that the water was dirty, but guess they used it on the plants. Dad shook his head. “Here… have a drink,” he said. “No! The water in this well is filthy,” protested Beng Lee. “That’s true,” agreed Dad, “but you won’t drink the water in the well. You’ll drink the water in the bucket.”

Beng Lee made a face. “If the water in the well isn’t good, the water in the bucket won’t be good either,” he said. “It’s the same thing.”

Dad nodded. “Right again,” he said. “What’s in the well will come up in the bucket. That’s something like what the Book of Matthew 12:34b teaches, ‘For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh.’ Beng Lee, I’ve noticed lately that you thank God when you pray, but often you gripe about things. What is really in you?”

Beng Lee looked at the dirt and leaves floating in the water. He knew that his grumbling attitude was like that rubbish. He didn’t know how to clean up the water in the well, but he knew he could confess his attitude to the Lord and ask for His help in making necessary changes.

Thought: What’s in your heart? Try to be aware of all the good things God does for you each day.

Prayer: Father in Heaven, please teach me to recognise your goodness unto me and to have the right attitude of being truly thankful for all your blessings instead of complaining continually. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.