Be Careful! – Family Devotion – August 27, 2021

Read: Ephesians 5:15-20

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:15-16,18-20

Be Careful!

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Be careful!” How many times have your parents said that to you before? “Be careful! Look both ways before crossing the street! . . . Be careful! Don’t touch the hot stove! . . . Be careful! Don’t run with those scissors! . . . Be careful! Tie your shoe so you don’t fall!”

How often have you listened to the warnings of your parents or teachers? Could it be that sometimes you do whatever you want instead? That can be very dangerous! Crossing the street without looking, touching a hot pan, or running with scissors or with your shoes untied can lead to you getting very hurt—or something even worse! Adults tell children to be careful because they care about them and want them to be safe. It is wise to listen to those warnings.

God gives us many warnings in the Bible, too. In his Word he tells us things that we should and should not do. Many times these commands are meant to protect us and other people. But not only does God want to protect us from getting hurt, God also wants to protect us from something even worse—dying and going to hell.

That’s why it is so important for us to listen to the warning today to be very careful how we live. The Bible writer says that days in this world are very evil. It can be dangerous for us if we get caught up in the sins that other people are doing.

So how can we be more careful and safe? The Bible writer tells us that too. He tells us to be filled with the Holy Spirit by making use of the Bible. We can read God’s Word and listen to God’s Word and sing God’s Word in hymns and songs. When we do these things, we know that God will strengthen us and keep us safe from all the evil sins out there in the world. His protection will guide us every day until we are finally safe once and for all in heaven. Because we know this, we can do exactly what the final verse of the day says—always give thanks to God. Yes, thank you, God, for your love, your care, and your protection!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, give me wisdom so that I can be careful with my choices. Help me to listen to and learn from your Word as you guide me to your heavenly kingdom. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Why is it important to listen to the warnings of parents, pastors, teachers, and others in authority?
• Why is it important to listen to the warnings of God?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Explain why it is so difficult to listen to the warnings of God in the Bible.
• Describe ways that you can be more “careful” with your faith.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Describe what a person’s life might look like if they are not careful with their faith.
• What can you do to be careful about your faith as you grow older in life?

Hymn: CW 331:1,3 – Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
Hold me with thy pow’rful hand.
Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death and hell’s Destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises I will ever give to thee.