Published 10/10/19
By Greg Johnson
What If...
It’s June, and almost the end of school. Every year our family plans our summer vacation around church camp. Camp is always a blast—the games, the archery, the cabins and food, even the music and speakers are good. You wouldn’t miss it.
In the past, you’ve tried to get some school friends to go, but when their parents hear that it’s a church camp, they’re a little afraid of what that means. So far, you’ve never been able to attend with anyone besides your friends from church.
As your Sunday school teacher explains this year’s camp, he also tells you to start praying about who God wants you to invite. “It’s not just a camp for church kids. I really believe some of your friends who aren’t attending a church would love it.” He goes on to say more about camp being a great place for people to meet God and discover what he can do in their lives.
Immediately, you know who you should ask. A friend on your soccer team. She’s also in your class. You know she would have a blast... if you could only convince her to go.
But... there’s that problem of parents always saying no when they find out it’s a church camp.
What if I tell them it’s a church camp, but that we don’t talk much about God, you think. That would probably help her parents say yes
Questions to Think On
• Have you ever been tempted to say something that isn’t true in order for something good to happen?
• Do you think it’s ever right not to tell the whole truth?
• If God wanted someone to go to camp, do you think he could get them to go without using deceptive methods?
• Mom and Dad: Why is total honesty always the best policy?
What Does God Have to Say?
He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart.... He who does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15:2, 5b
“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord.
(c)