Scripture

Our verse for today comes from 2 Timothy 3:5, ” Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away. ” 

Background

My family has recently watched some reruns of the show, The Wonder Years . It tells the story of an adolescent boy, Kevin Arnold, growing up in suburbia America, dealing with the challenges of middle school, girls, family life, and peer pressure. Last night we saw an episode in which Kevin’s gym class has square dancing lessons for a week with the girls gym class. The drama begins at the all-too-critical pairing of the boys with their dance partners. As expected, Kevin gets coupled with someone less than desirable, a nerdy, odd-acting, somewhat unattractive girl named Margaret Farquhar. And just as expected, his buddies waste no time hassling and teasing him about her and their soon-to-be square dancing- induced romance. Escalating Kevin’s embarrassment, Margaret appears out of nowhere the next day and sits down right beside him at the lunch table. And one afternoon, she actually shows up at his house with her pet bat in a shoebox – she didn’t bring her tarantula because he was sick. 

Application

The relationship finally comes to a head when Kevin decides to tell Margaret in the hallway that he cannot talk to her anymore. He retracts that initial prohibition, and goes on to say that they can talk, just so long as it’s not at school, or anywhere else that someone might see them. He tells her that he likes her and they can be friends, but they’ll be more like ” secret friends. ” And for a moment, he actually thinks she’ll go for it. But she does not. She sees through the smokescreen, loudly asking him what’s wrong with talking. And as a crowd gathers, his shame rises, just as does her humiliation. And when his buddies begin to laugh and actually knock her books to the floor, Kevin only stands there. Too weak, too cowardly, he just stands there. And then comes the dagger from Margaret. Broken in spirit, she tells Kevin, ” I thought you were different, ” and walks away. We Christians are supposed to be different, and Jesus is supposed to be more than our secret friend. What picture of Christ is the Margaret Farquhar in your life seeing? 

Charge

As we seek Him today, consider what you say and don’t say to someone who might not quite fit in. Be courageous and touch their heart with the love of Jesus, your not-so-secret friend.