Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 6:9-12; 2 Timothy 2:22

Mason got off the bus and started walking home. He was joined by Zachary and Gavin, two high school students who lived on farms adjoining his. “Hey, Gavin,” said Zachary as they walked along a field of watermelons, “let’s get a couple of those.”

“I don’t know,” Gavin said. “Last time we took one, Mr. Sloan caught us and said he’d report us if we did it again.”

“Yeah, but these are those little ones they call personal melons,” said Zachary. “They’re small enough to hide in our backpacks.” He grinned. “Mason can be our watchdog. How about it, Mason?”

Mason hesitated. “I–I can’t do that. I’d be as guilty as you.”

“Nah. We’ll be the ones getting the melons,” said Zachary. “We’ll get you one too. I’ll even put it in your backpack. You won’t have to touch it–until you eat it, that is!”

Those watermelons sure look good, thought Mason. But he knew it would be wrong–it would be stealing–and suddenly he made up his mind. “No,” he said, then he turned and ran.

Mason hadn’t gone far down the road when a car stopped next to him. It was Dad! He quickly jumped into the car.

“You seem to be in a rush to get home,” said Dad.

“No, not really,” replied Mason. “I was just running from a watermelon.”

“Interesting,” said Dad. “I’ve never seen a watermelon chase anybody.”

Mason told him the whole story. “For a few minutes, I was really tempted. But I knew it would be wrong, so I ran.”

“Good for you!” said Dad. “If you hang around temptation, you just might give in to it. It’s best to run. And you’re in good company too. The apostle Paul told Timothy to run from something–twice! In one instance, he warned against the love of money. Another time he told Timothy to ‘flee from youthful passions,’ or wrong desires, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace–good desires that the Holy Spirit gives us. Because He lives in those who trust in Jesus, we can always resist temptation and choose what’s good instead. So you did exactly the right thing.” Dad motioned toward the back seat. “Now take a look at what I just picked up at the store.”

Mason turned. “A watermelon!” he shouted with glee.

–Vera M. Hutchcroft

How About You?
What do you do when you’re tempted to do something wrong? Do you try to think of all the reasons why it might be okay for you to do it just this once? Don’t kid yourself! If it’s wrong, it’s never okay–not even once. When you’re tempted, remember that you belong to Jesus and that the Holy Spirit gives you the strength to do what’s right. Then run–get away from the tempting situation.

Today’s Key Verse:
Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. (CSB) (2 Timothy 2:22 )

Today’s Key Thought:
Run from temptation