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Questioning Christians
by Peter D. Mallett (Peter's bio)
To learn by heart:
Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
"Hey Dad," Billy called as he came in and took off his jacket.
Dad was sitting on a stool at counter between the kitchen and living room.
Dad looked up from the book he was reading.
"Hi Billy, I figured you'd be back from the pizza place sooner. Is everything ok?"
"Well, I would have but I stayed longer with Alex after the other guys left."
"He's the one who just became a believer in Christ, right?"
"Yes, Dad we get along really well. We have a lot of things in common. Except..."
"Except, what son?"
"Well today at Tony's Pizza Alex was asking some questions, and well some of the other guys they made fun of him. They teased Alex, just because he was trying to learn the things he didn't know yet. Then they all left. They said they didn't know why I wanted to stay there with Alex."
Billy paused. Dad got up from his stool and sat down next to Billy to listen.
"Alex didn't grow up in a Christian home Dad. The others have. Alex was given up for adoption as a baby and until he was six, he lived in a lot of different homes."
"So, some of the guys thought that Alex should already know things they were told from a young age? They should have been more understanding and accepting of Alex and his questions. You stayed afterwards to explain some of his questions then?"
"Well yes, and to encourage him. I felt bad for the way they acted."
"I'm proud of you Billy, you did the right thing."
The next day, Billy, Alex and the other kids went to the Winter youth event planned at the church. People formed groups and games were played for points. Some were about the bible and some were just fun games of skill. Alex was excellent at shooting free throw baskets. Everyone cheered him on. He got more baskets in two minutes than anyone else.
Alex also helped the group in the scavenger hunt which required a lot of math skills to be able to figure out the clues placed in spots around the church.
John asked, "Hey Alex, where did you learn to shoot baskets like that?"
"When I was staying in California at a foster home, Eric taught me. He loved basketball."
Curt added, "You are really good at math too, we wouldn't have won the scavenger hunt without your help."
Alex smiled. Just then the youth pastor Tim stood and said a few words.
"I'm glad that everyone has had so much fun. I'm also glad we have made it through the night without breaking anything." Pastor Tim smiled. Some of the kids laughed.
"I am glad to see that many of you have brought friends. There are a lot of faces that I have not seen. I know that there are also some new believers here with us today. I hope you have had a fun time tonight. Be sure to encourage them."
"You all know my first name is Timothy. I know a lot of you call me Tim, but I have always liked being named after the one Paul taught so much in the bible. Paul was older and wiser and Timothy was a young man with a lot of questions. Yet Paul was patient with him. He was always encouraging him. Timothy became a good leader because Paul was willing to be patient with him."
"Paul said we should accept each other whether we are new believers or have known God for a long time, just as Christ accepted us. He said whether weak or strong we are welcome. After all where else can you learn to become strong? I hope that we all follow Paul's example of patience and encouragement. Well, it looks like the food is ready. Since we have already asked God's blessing and given thanks you can begin to line up."
"Enjoy and don't forget to save some for me."
The other guys around the table looked at Alex. Jimmy spoke first.
"I think we did break something. We probably really hurt you yesterday when we made fun of your questions Alex. I'm sorry."
Curt agreed, "I'm sorry too. I'll try to help from now on."
John smiled and said, "I guess there are some things we can learn from you too!"
The other guys agreed too. Then they all ran over to the line for the food.
On the way John shouted: "Hey Alex do you think you could help me with my Math homework?"
"I think so," Alex yelled back, "but after we eat!"
Remember:
Asking questions, encouraging one another and learning from one another will help everyone become strong.
Copyright 2002, Peter D. Mallett. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
| About Peter D. Mallett: I live in Virginia near the ocean. In a few minutes I can be at the beach but I can't quite hear waves from my house. I love God. I like writing, drawing, and taking pictures. I don't have a wife or kids right now but I enjoy talking with kids. Kids have bright things to say and they are not afraid to try things like peanut butter and banana sandwiches. E-mail Peter |