JUNE 10, Psalm 119:37

“Let’s stop at the bookstore,” said Mom as she and Diana walked through the mall. “I’d like to get a new cookbook.”

“Okay,” agreed Diana. She loved reading and when they reached the bookstore, she decided to find a book for herself. Soon she was back at her mother’s side. “Can I get this book, Mom?” she asked. “I have enough money for it.” Diana held up a fiction paperback for her mother to see. Mom took the book and read the back cover. Then she opened it and leafed through the pages. She said, “I’ve heard that the story line in this series of books deals with things that aren’t honouring to God and as I flipped the pages, I noticed bad language. I’m sorry, but no – you can’t buy this book.”

“Oh, please, Mom,” begged Diana but her mother shook her head. “Oh, all right,” Diana grumbled angrily. She scowled and returned the book to the shelf. Diana didn’t say a word when they left the bookstore, but she was still pouting when they sat down at a table in the mall’s food court. Mom looked at her thoughtfully. “Did you see that, Diana?” asked Mom as she placed her packages on the table.

“See what?” asked Diana.

“The people that just left the table over there had quite a bit of noodle soup left over,” said Mom. “I saw them dump it in the trash can right next to that second post. I’m sure there’s other food in there. I’ll stay here and watch our stuff and you can go get some of it,” Mom smiled as she spoke.

“Mum, what?” exclaimed Diana, giving her mother a puzzled glance. “I know you don’t want to eat garbage, so you’ve got to be kidding. But what’s your point?”

“Well, you don’t want to feed garbage to your body either, do you?” asked Mom. Diana shook her head. “But you apparently do want to feed garbage to your mind by reading things that are filled with bad language and evil ideas,” Mom added. Diana did not have an answer. “We’re responsible to God for the things we put into our minds,” continued Mom. “That’s why I didn’t let you buy that book. I want you to give your mind good things to ‘eat.’”

Thought: Do your parents set rules regarding what you may read and listen to? Do you wish you could choose for yourself? Remember, they are doing this for your own good.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, there are so many things that tempt me in this world. Help me to guard myself against temptations. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.