Summary: "Did you know there are only three kinds of people in this world?" Savannah asked her Sunday school teacher one day. "And what would they be?" asked Mr. Ken. "Those who can count and those who can't," said Savannah with a grin. Mr. Ken hesitated a moment and then burst out laughing. "I don't get it. Why is that so funny?" asked Lon, one of the boys in the class. "I said three kinds of people," replied Savannah, "but I named only two--those who can count and those who can't. So I'm obviously one who can't count. Get it now?" Lon and a couple of the other kids joined in the laughter. "We could say there are only two kinds of people, and it wouldn't be a joke," said Mr. Ken. "There are those who are friends of God and those who aren't." The class was silent for a moment. Then Savannah nodded. "I'm a Christian, so I'm a friend of God, right?" she asked. "Me, too," said Gideon, and most of the other class members nodded. Mr. Ken smiled. "Good," he said. "Are you growing in your friendship with God? And can other kids see that God is your friend?" Lon shrugged. "How would they tell?" he asked. "Think about the kids at school," said Mr. Ken. "How can you tell which ones are friends?" Savannah remembered seeing girls jumping rope, boys playing ball, and groups of older students talking and laughing with one another. "That's easy," she said. "They hang out together." Mr. Ken nodded. "That's how friendships grow--through spending time together," he said. "You made the commitment to be God's friend when you put your faith in Jesus. Now you need to grow that friendship by spending time with Him. You do that by letting Him talk to you as you read and study His Word--the Bible. You talk to Him through prayer." "But Istill don't see how other kids can tell that God is our friend," said Gideon. "Don't be bashful about letting them see that you spend time with God,"Mr. Ken replied. "As you yield to Him, you'll treat other people in a more loving way. Your decisions will reflect His love and show that you're His friend." How About You? Are you growing in your friendship with God? He says His friends follow His commands, so be sure to set aside time to learn what pleases Him. Your friendship with God will influence the things you value, the way you treat others, and how you spend your time and your money. Let what you do with your life each day reflect the fact that you are a friend of God. Today's Key Verse: You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. (John 15:14) Today's Key Thought: Grow in friendship with God
