Daily Devotional for September 1, 2017
In the Dog Pen
“Sure, I’m a Christian,” Silas told his neighbor as he filled a tin bowl with water. The two of them were caring for Spot and Ginger, another neighbor’s dogs, while their owner was in the hospital. “I’ve been a Christian all my life, I guess,” said Silas. “I go to church all the time.”
“I know you do,” said Mr. Nelson, “and that’s very good.”
“Mom and Dad do too,” added Silas. He turned off the water hose. “There. I think that’s it for now,” he said as he started for the gate. He glanced at Mr. Nelson and saw that he was making himself comfortable down on the ground beside the dogs. Silas turned back. “What are you doing, Mr. Nelson? We’re finished for now, aren’t we?”
“Yes, but I was thinking we could try an experiment,” replied Mr. Nelson. “These dogs live a pretty good life, right? They don’t have to work for their food and shelter—it’s all provided for them. Maybe we’d enjoy being dogs too.” He patted the ground beside him. “Suppose we stay here with them for the rest of the day. If we sit here in their dog pen long enough, we’ll become dogs just like Spot and Ginger, won’t we?”
Silas laughed. “Is this a joke?” he asked. “Who wants to be a dog? I know I don’t, and I’m sure you don’t either. Besides, sitting in that dog pen won’t make you a dog no matter how long you stay there.”
Mr. Nelson smiled as he got to his feet. “You’re absolutely right,” he said. “We both know that, don’t we? But do you also know that sitting in a church building won’t make you a Christian, no matter how much time you spend there?”
“Well—I’m from a Christian home too,” said Silas. “My parents are Christians.”
“But living with Christians doesn’t make you a Christian either—just like living with dogs doesn’t make you a dog,” Mr. Nelson replied.
“Oh,” said Silas as they walked away from the dog pen. “So what does make you a Christian then?”
Mr. Nelson smiled. “Trusting Jesus to save you from sin,” he said. “Let me walk you home so I can tell you more about it.” ” – Sheri Shaw
How about you?
Do you think that going to church is all it takes to become a Christian? Or that having Christian parents means you’re a Christian? That’s not what the Bible says. It says you must believe in Jesus. Without Him, you can’t be saved from sin. Trust in Jesus as your Savior and receive the gift of eternal life. (See “The ABCs of Salvation” on the right column of this page..)
Today's Verse
Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. (NLT) Acts 16:31 NKJV
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