Children’s Sermon

Mark 8:31-38

Setting Your Mind on God

 

By Dr. Dan Wuori

You might remember that last week we began the 40 days of Lent – and heard the story of Jesus going into the wilderness. While he was there he was tempted by Satan. Do you remember what it means to be tempted? (A temptation is something that we want – but that we know isn’t right or good for us.)

Temptation can be such a hard thing to avoid in life – but this week Jesus teaches us an important lesson about how to do it.

When Peter tries to make him do something that’s not in his plan, Jesus reminds Peter that he’s not thinking about what God wants – but instead about what he wants. (He tells Peter that he’s thinking too much about “human things.”)

That’s a good test, isn’t it?

When you find yourself tempted by a choice – or unsure about what to do – you can always ask yourself “what would God want me to do?”

When I ask myself that question, it often clears the choice right up!

There may be things that we’d really like for ourselves, but Jesus doesn’t ever tell us to do whatever we feel like – or what we want the most. Instead he wants us to be making choices about what’s right.

So this week when you find yourself faced with a tough choice, try following Jesus’ advice – and set your mind on what God would want. I think you’ll find it makes all the difference.

Will you pray with me?

Dear God,

Sometimes we are faced with such difficult choices. Help us to make decisions that may be pleasing to you.

Amen

Copyright 2009, Dr. Dan Wuori. Used by permission.