Online Devotions: Bold As A Third Grader

Sunday, July 9, 2017

Bold As A Third Grader

July 9 (John 14:6)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (ESV)

He is one of the cutest little boys in the group my friend and I shepherd at church. His face is full of animation, and he loves to talk about basketball and play air hockey in the youth room. He is about to enter third grade, and his response to our discussion about obedience blew me away. As we talked with the boys about obeying God in different situations, including telling others about Jesus, this young man offered what for him was clearly the last word on the matter. “If people don’t believe in God, they will go to the devil place.”

I loved it! He stated the truth in the bold, matter-of-fact, bottom-line way that only a child will use. Yet it did give me pause. What happens to muddy the waters for adults? Why do we shy away from bold declarations? It is no wonder that Jesus asked that adults bring little children to Him and proclaimed that it was to such that the Kingdom belonged (Luke 18:6).

Of course, that is the key. It is not that only children have the qualities Jesus is looking for, but only those with the perspective of a child. Children seem to understand clearly that if X is right and Y is wrong, you should tell people about X to avoid Y. It really is that simple. There is no greater right than Jesus Christ, and there is no greater tragedy than spending eternity in hell separated from Him. Do your friends and family know that?

Lord, help me to cast off the foolish social concerns of adulthood. Create within me a childlike innocence and passion for what is right. Make me as bold as a third grader when it comes to telling people about the offer of life in Jesus Christ, through Whose name I pray, amen.

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History of Online Devotions

In January of 1999, I began the Online Devotions with the teens of the church we were attending. Each week they would receive a verse of Scripture, a short reflection, and a prayer. Over the years others subscribed to this email list, and soon the Online Devotions were going out to people across the country and beyond.

In 2007 I published in book format a collection called Desert Days: Forty Devotions for Men.

After suggestions from several readers, I launched in 2010 the Online Devotions blog. Devotions are still available each week by email, and if you would like to subscribe, please indicate so in the comment box.

As I have always said, if one of these devotions touches you, you can be sure it was from God. If one leaves you flat, then there was too much of me in it.