JUNE 14, Ecclesiastes 7:20

As the Chong family listened to the evening news, the television reporter spoke about an oil spill where beautiful, sandy beaches were being smeared with thick, black goo. “In spite of massive efforts to stop the spread of oil and clean up the beaches and ocean, it looks as if Mother Nature may have to do the final clean-up job here,” stated the reporter. “Environmentalists tell us that wind, sun, currents and wave action will eventually disperse and evaporate most of the oil.”

“Mother Nature!” said Dad in disgust. “People need to admit that only God can control the weather and the oceans.”

“Wow!” exclaimed Noah as the television camera turned to show an oil-soaked seabird struggling to get free from the hands of a rescuer. “That bird doesn’t look so good!”

Noah’s sister, Nicole, shook her head. “Poor thing,” she murmured. “I guess he doesn’t know he’ll die if he doesn’t let somebody help him.”

“It’s sad, but...,” Dad paused. “Last week, I heard a message that a lot of people are like those seabirds. That’s even sadder.”

“People got caught in the oil spill too?” asked Nicole in horror.

Dad smiled. “No,” he said, “but the speaker pointed out that many people are caught in something worse, they’re caught in sin. Those birds must be cleaned up if they’re going to live, and people who don’t know Jesus as Saviour need to have their hearts and lives cleaned too, or they will not be able to live forever with God.”

“And Mother Nature can’t help,” observed Noah.

“No,” agreed Nicole. “The name Mother Nature refers to nature in general, doesn’t it? And that’s why people are in trouble in the first place – they have a sinful nature.”

“That’s true,” agreed Dad, “and like that bird, they often don’t realise they’re in trouble.They don’t understand that they need help and only God can clean up their lives. People have to quit struggling and simply trust Jesus to do for them what they can’t do for themselves.”

Thought: Are you aware that you are a sinner and need help? Or are you struggling to clean up your heart and life by yourself? Are you doing your best to stop talking back and to obey your parents?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know I am a sinner. Help me to accept Your salvation grace and to be careful not to sin but to keep my life pure for You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.