Chomper Trouble

"Why do we have to get rid of Chomper?" Owen asked his dad. "He's so much fun!""I know you like having a pet goat, Owen, but he's cost us quite a bundle with all the mischief he's gotten into," said Dad.Owen knew that was true. Their two sheep just ate grass, but the goat preferred the neighbors' flowers and shrubs. He'd also eaten two apple tree saplings Dad had planted. They tried to keep Chomper tied up, but he always got loose. They penned him in, but sooner or later, the clever goat managed to get out."Come see what he did today," said Dad. Owen followed his dad over to where a dozen wooden boards had been pulled from the side of the toolshed. Several chewed pieces lay scattered on the ground."Chomper does get into trouble a lot," admitted Owen. "But he's so smart!""He's definitely clever," said Dad. "But that's also what gets him into trouble. Goats can be useful and a lot of fun, but they have a well-earned reputation for making life difficult for their owners."Owen sighed. "I guess so." As they walked toward the house, Dad spoke up. "You know, people can be a lot like Chomper--clever and a lot of fun, but always getting into trouble."Owen bit his lip, knowing Dad was talking about him. He often got in trouble at school for disrupting class and getting other kids to go along with his antics."Being smart, entertaining, and outgoing are good qualities," Dad continued. "They're part of who God created you to be, Owen. But you have to be careful not to let them cause you to lead others in doing wrong things.""I know," said Owen. "I'll work on that." "You don't have to do it alone," Dad said. "We all do selfish things sometimes and make life difficult for those around us, but Jesus promises to help us follow His example of love. He loves us so much that He died to save us, and He'll help us use the good qualities He's given us to show that kind of love to others."Owen smiled. "That's good, because I want to remind people of Jesus, not Chomper!" –Lorna B. Marlowe