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Reading was always my very favorite activity when I was growing up. I remember one particular event which impacted my reading when I was in 2nd grade.

I got in trouble for some transgression I can no longer remember, but I do recall that I was banned from any reading for a while, especially my comic books. So, I took some of my comic books and snuck out the door. 

I proceeded down and found a place under one of the lowest balconies where I thought no one would know and started reading one of my comics. Suddenly, my mother’s face appeared, and I knew I was in real trouble. 

My first thought was that she was all-seeing and knew where I was. Believe me, after that, I never snuck off anywhere like that!

In a few minutes of reflection, aided by punishment, I realized that probably my little sister, who would have been about five, had gone and told my mother where I was and what I was doing. I guess that training from my parents kicked in at this point.

I did not get mad at my sister. If I had not been doing something I wasn’t supposed to be doing, she would not have had anything to report.

I did not get mad at my parents for punishing me. I did wrong and punishment was appropriate, even if I did not particularly like the idea!

I think my parents had taught me that I was responsible for my own actions. God feels the same way. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). 

Only through the cross of Jesus can we overcome those bad deeds and have them washed away in Jesus! 

Dean Kelly is minister at Highland Home Church of Christ.