Weekly Devotion - #27

Read: I Timothy 5:1 - 16

Hidden Junk

"...let them learn first to show piety (true Christianity) at home"--I Timothy 5:4.

Most families have a mini-barn or shed of some type in their backyard for storage. But, there are some things that are never put in the shed. The swing set that broke last summer is stacked behind the shed. The bicycle that the kids took apart and couldn't put back together is in pieces behind the shed. The doll buggy that lost a wheel is behind the shed. Old tires from the truck and the mattress that became lumpy are behind the shed until the trip to the dump.

Most people would not leave all that junk lying in the yard. People driving by could see it. People walking along the street could see it. Mom, looking out the kitchen window could see it. So, all the junk is behind the shed out of sight.

But, wait a minute! What about the people who live in the houses behind us and beside us. The lady that lives in the house behind us has to look at the junk every time she does her dishes. The people next door can see the junk every time they get in their car to leave. The children in all directions can see the junk when they are out playing.

Most of us have the yard neat and clean. The hedges are trimmed and the grass is kept mowed. We have the children pick up their outdoor toys when they are finished. We keep everything that can be seen looking good and we think the junk is hidden. We forget that others can see the junk.

Often it is the same with our lives. When we are where people can see us, we put on our best behavior. We use the best manners. We are very considerate and try to be our best. But, are we different behind the walls of our home? Do the ones living with us have to look at the "junk?" [JW]

THOT: May we be our best at home.

TODAY: Do something to help make your home happy.

This lesson is from  30 Heart Touching Devotions available from SWM.

You have permission to copy for personal and church use.