A couple had two little boys, ages 8 and 10, who were excessively mischievous. The two were always getting into trouble and their parents could be assured that if any mischief occurred in their town their two young sons were in some way involved.


The parents were at their wits end as to what to do about their sons' behavior. The mother had heard that a clergyman in town had been successful in disciplining children in the past, so she asked her husband if he thought they should send the boys to speak with the clergyman.

(The husband looks at the boys, boys smiling)

The husband said, 'We might as well. We need to do something before I really lose my temper!' The clergyman agreed to speak with the boys, but asked to see them individually. The 8 year old went to meet with him first. The clergyman sat the boy down and asked him sternly,'Where is God?'

The boy made no response, so the clergyman repeated the question in an even sterner tone, 'Where is God?' Again the boy made no attempt to answer. So the clergyman raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy's face, 'WHERE IS GOD?'


At that the boy bolted from the room and ran directly home, slamming himself in the closet. His older brother followed him into the closet and asked what had happened. The younger brother replied, 'We are in BIG trouble this time. God is missing and they think we did it.'

Proverbs 24:8 -- He who plans to do evil will be called a mischief-maker.

Proverbs 14:22 -- You will earn the trust and respect of others if you work for good; if you work for evil, you are making a mistake.

Have you heard the saying, “You reap what you sow…” We earn our reputation, to be trusted or the lack of trust. If you are innocent there will be times that people may jump to conclusions because of choices you have made. You can change, but unfortunately it takes a while to prove you are different. Don’t give up, because God believes in you and sees the change before others. In the end, it is God’s grace that counts.

Ephesians 6:6 -- not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;