Bible Reading: 1 Peter 5:8-9
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8, NIV
Select True or False to indicate which statements you think are true or false:
1. Drinking water can kill you.
2. Taking a shower can be fatal.
3. A bee sting isn’t that dangerous.
4. Flying in an airplane is the safest way to travel.
5. Playing with guns is dangerous.
6. Smoking causes lung cancer.
7. Sunshine is dangerous.
8. Sugar is bad for you.
9. Spending too much time on the Internet or playing video games can hurt you.
10. Dishrags have more germs than anything else in the house.
Compare your answers to the ones below:
1. True. Swallowing water down your windpipe can kill you if you are unable to clear the throat and breathe freely.
2. True. Many people slip and fall in the shower; some even die from their injuries.
3. False. People allergic to bee stings can die from a sting in seconds.
4. True. More people travel safely for more miles on a plane than any other way.
5. True (Duh!)
6. True (Ditto duh!)
7. True. Too much sun can cause skin cancer or sun poisoning.
8. True and False. In moderation, sugar is OK. But in great quantities, it can lead to cavities. If you’re diabetic, sugar is a no-no.
9. True. Excessive use of a keyboard or joystick can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes damage to the nerves in your wrist.
10. True (yuck!)
Some of the things in the list above are good things, but they can still be harmful to you if you’re not careful and self-controlled. So self-control can protect you from excesses and extremes. This is starting to sound like your parents, isn’t it? OK, OK. Just remember this: The devil wants to eat you up. And he’ll use anything-even good things, if he can -to hurt you. So be alert. Be self-controlled. Don’t be devoured.
REFLECT: Have you allowed any “good things” or “harmless things” to enter your life that would be dangerous if you’re not careful? Should you ask your parents, friends, or pastor to help you learn to control any of those areas?
PRAY: “God, you know that I sometimes go to the extreme in the area of __________________. Make me alert today so that I won’t be devoured.
