A Clean Environment

A Clean Environment

Romans 6:1-2, 11-14

“To preserve our environment we must look for the best ways to protect it. Thank you.” Zara concluded her speech. The applause of the audience echoed in the gym, and Zara smiled. I’m sure to get a high grade, she thought.

After the meeting, Zara’s family found her sitting on the stage. “Hi, Zara,” said her little sister, Carrie. “You’re babysitting Cory and me tonight.”

“Oh, Dad,” moaned Zara, “do I have to?”

Dad nodded. “You did promise,” he reminded her.

Zara sighed and slapped her papers together. “If it’s not one thing, it’s another,” she grumbled. “Come on then.” She grabbed Carrie’s hand, and Cory followed them. “Everybody else has fun,” mumbled Zara, “but not me. I have to babysit.”

At home, Zara sat at the table, writing out an environmental petition for her school group. “Will you play a game with us?” Carrie pleaded for the third time.

“P-lee-ease?” added Cory.

“Can’t you see I’m doing something?” snapped Zara. “Play your game and quit bothering me.”

The twins went to play, but soon they were back. “We’re hungry, Zara,” they called together.

Zara sighed loudly. “Why can’t you make your own peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches?” she grumbled. Cory began crying. “Oh, stop bawling,” snarled Zara. “I’ll get your stupid sandwich.” When Cory did not stop immediately, Zara slammed her hands down on the counter. “I told you to stop bawling.”

Cory sniffled. “You try to make everything nice on earth,” he whimpered, “but maybe Jesus doesn’t think your heart is nice.”

Zara’s eyes dropped to the petition. Then she looked at Carrie and Cory. She felt so guilty! She was a Christian, but she knew she wasn’t acting like one. Leaning down, Zara whispered to the twins, “I’m sorry.” Silently she prayed, Dear God, please forgive me. Help me remember that it’s even more important to have a clean life than it is to have a clean environment. DAL

How about You?

Do you care about the environment? If so, that’s good—it’s important. But what about the environment of your heart? Is it in the condition it should be in? That’s a matter of even greater importance.

Memorize:

“I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives.” Jeremiah 17:10

A Clean Heart Is Important