Think Before You Act or Speak

TITLE: Instant Replay
SCRIPTURE: Read: Psalm 19:12-14; 139:23-24
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
Brian and his dad were enjoying a football game on TV. "Watch out for that guy on your right!" yelled Brian-and Dad waved his arms as if the players could see him. But it was no use-the man they were cheering for was down. "That was dumb!" exclaimed Brian in disgust. "He should have seen that guy coming at him! He wasn't paying attention."
Dad nodded. "The coach pulled him out now, and I expect they'll show him an instant replay of that move. I dare say he won't make the same mistake again."
By the time the game was over, Mom had supper ready. "Hey! How come Gretchen gets a hot turkey sandwich and the rest of us get yucky old tuna casserole?" asked Brian, glancing at his sister's plate as he came to the table. He yanked out his chair and bumped the table hard as he sat down. "You're just a spoiled brat," he complained to Gretchen.
Gretchen began to speak, but Brian wouldn't listen-not even when his mother tried to explain. He interrupted her and continued to grumble as he roughly gave his plate a shove, spilling his milk.
"Brian, go to your room and think about what you just did," ordered Dad. "The way you behaved and the things you said were not pleasing to us, and they certainly were not pleasing to God. When you're ready to apologize, you may come back to the table."
Brian knew it was no use to protest, so he went to his room, hungry and angry. He plopped down on his bed. But he did think. In his mind, he replayed what had happened. He tried to tell himself he hadn't been treated fairly and that Gretchen was spoiled. But then he remembered that Gretchen had been sick when they'd had a turkey dinner the day before and his mother had saved some turkey for her. That's why she's getting it now, he thought. He knew he had made a mess of the situation and had hurt his sister's feelings.
The rest of the family was almost finished when Brian again took his place at the table. He looked at his father. "In my mind, I . . . I watched an 'instant replay' of what happened," said Brian. "I guess if I did that more often, I wouldn't keep on making so many mistakes." Turning to his mom and his sister, he added. "I'm really sorry for the way I acted."
MEMORY VERSE: Thus says the Lord of hosts: "Consider your ways!" Haggai 1:7
HOW ABOUT YOU? Do you sometimes say or do things that you later regret? Perhaps you've criticized a classmate, complained about your food, or slipped out of the house to avoid doing your chores. In your mind, "replay" your actions and words throughout each day to see if any of them were displeasing to God. If they were, ask His forgiveness and don't keep making the same mistakes.
THE KEY: Think before you act or speak