READ LEVITICUS 9:1 THROUGH 10:20; MATTHEW 24:1–28

“The one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13).

The day of the big party arrived, but Katie was still debating whether or not to attend. Her friends Debbie and Gloria were pressuring her to go with them. Katie recalled a time when Debbie and Gloria were a part of her church youth group, eager to attend church and join in with praise and worship. But over time their interest in church waned, and they now attended drinking parties, tried drugs, and behaved promiscuously. Katie no longer felt at ease with them. They often talked about how they were irritated with her and her “narrow-minded” attitude.

Katie knew a lot of things would happen at the party that she wanted to avoid. So, when Gloria called one last time and asked her to go, Katie didn’t hesitate to refuse. Gloria was angry and accused Katie of ignoring her friends. But Katie made it clear she was only rejecting the wrong things they did.

The next week at school, Gloria and Debbie were cold to Katie. While their actions hurt, Katie was at peace in her heart because she knew she had done the right thing.

Thought for Today: Are you standing firm in Christ today as you face temptations?

Quicklook: Matthew 24:1–13