Summary: Megan shrugged when she missed her basketball shot. "Oh, well. Nobody's perfect!" she said with a laugh, and the other girls laughed with her. "Nobody's perfect" had become a phrase Megan used often, and her friends almost knew ahead of time when they would hear it again. One day Megan went with her friend Amie to Bible Club. "That was interesting,"said Megan as she and Amie walked home afterward, "but I sure don't agree with everything Mrs. Gates said. According to her, no matter how good you are, you're not good enough for heaven. I don't believe that!" "It's what the Bible says," replied Amie. "The Bible says everyone does wrong things--everyone's a sinner. But Jesus took the punishment for our sins, and the only way you can get into heaven is by trusting in Him as your Savior." "Well, Mrs. Gates makes it sound like everybody's such a terrible sinner, and that's silly!" insisted Megan. "I've never done anything really bad! I've never even cheated on a test or stolen anything from a store or . . . " "I know," interrupted Amie, "but you have done things that are wrong--even when you knew better. Remember the time you and I sneaked . . ." Megan laughed. "Okay, okay," she said, "but even that wasn't so bad. And what about people like my Uncle Bob? He's always helping others. He gives lots of money to places like the cancer society and the city mission--even the church. And last year when his neighbor's house was on fire, he rushed in himself to get the baby out. He could have been killed! Besides, he always . . ." Suddenly she stopped. "Oh, I'm so busy talking that I'm not paying attention to what I'm doing! We just passed my street, and I forgot to turn." Megan laughed at herself. "How dumb can I be?" she added. "Oh, well! Nobody's perfect!" "No, and that's what God says, too. He says we're not perfect--we've all sinned," replied Amie. "Even though what you've done isn't so bad--according to you anyway--no sin can enter heaven. So no matter how many good things you--or your uncle--do, you still have to get rid of your sin. Only Jesus can take it away." Megan was thoughtful as she turned and headed down her street. "Ihave to get home," she said, "but let's talk about this more later, okay?" Gladly, Amie nodded. How About You? Are you fit for heaven? No lying, disobedience, cheating, gossip--nor any other sin--can enter heaven. Did you read today's Scripture? One person described in those verses did many good deeds; the other asked for God's mercy. Jesus said the one who asked for mercy was saved--not the one who thought he was good enough because of the good things he did. Which are you like? Admit your sin and ask Jesus to forgive and save you. (See the ABCs of Salvation at the right.) Today's Key Verse: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Today's Key Thought: Sin cannot enter heaven
