NOVEMBER 27, Romans 13:1

Daniel was working with his wooden train when he heard his father coming home. “How’s the train project coming along?” asked Dad.

“Good!” exclaimed Daniel. “It’s almost ready.” “All right!” said Dad. “And how was school today?”

Daniel frowned. “Okay, I guess,” he said, “but I’m getting tired of all the stupid rules we have. One dumb rule says, you have to stay in during recess if you’re late for more than three times. They just don’t want kids to have any fun.”

“I take it that you were late again?” asked Dad. “And had to miss recess?” “I was only a couple minutes late,” said Daniel. “I don’t see why that little bit matters. At least I was there!” He reached over to hook a section of the train track in place.

“Hmm,” murmured Dad. “Well, Daniel, let’s see how your train runs.”

“Dad! What are you doing?” exclaimed Daniel as Dad reached over and pressed the start lever. The train began moving. “Wait! I don’t have all the tracks down yet,” protested Daniel. “It’s gonna wreck!” As he spoke, the train rounded the turn and rolled off the track, falling on its side. Daniel sighed. “I knew that would happen,” he said.

“So the train needs the tracks,” observed Dad. “Tracks don’t spoil things. Instead, they’re helpful and allow the train to run smoothly, right?” Daniel nodded. “Sure,” he agreed.

“Well, rules are like those tracks,” said Dad. “When you follow the rules, they allow your life to run smoothly and even allow you to have fun. When you choose to disobey rules, you get off track, and everything seems like a mess. God wants us to follow the rules of the people He puts over us, such as parents and teachers.”

“I get the point, Dad,” said Daniel as he picked up his train. “Tracks are good for trains, and rules are good for kids.” “Right,” said Dad, “and for grown-ups, too.”

Thought: Do you get tired of rules or wish you had none at all? Imagine the chaos there would be in the world if there were no rules to follow.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me appreciate rules, for I know that otherwise, everyone would do his own thing and would not know what to expect from anyone else. Remind me that rules are made to help me, not to keep me from having fun. Please help me to obey parents and teachers in the Lord, but most of all, obey God. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen