Uneasy Conscience

by Christina Boyd Evert

It started as a great day. With my homework completed, I actually looked forward to my first period class—sixth-grade science. The class was about to start when I felt a tap on my shoulder.

“Hey Christina, did you do your social studies homework?”

“Yup.” I grinned at my classmate, Michael.

“Could I see it?” he asked.

“Why?”

“Well, I didn’t quite finish. Please, could I use it for just a second?” Michael’s voice had a desperate tone to it.

“But Michael, that’s cheating!” I frowned.

“Oh, come on,” he urged. “I promise we won’t get caught.”

It Only Takes a Spark

You know the song: “It only takes a spark to get a fire going . . . ” (In fact, this time of year you may find yourself around the campfire singing it quite often!)

But it does take a spark! 

Just as the tiny mustard seed grows into a large plant, and a little bit of leaven raises a whole batch of bread, even a small word or act for Christ can grow into something big. Jesus will bless and multiply our efforts to work for Him—when we start!

“Every follower of Jesus has a work to do as a missionary for Christ in the family, in the neighborhood, in the town or city where he lives” (Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2, page 632).

Do you want to share your faith but are not sure what to do? Here are a few suggestions to get you started. Why not see how much you can accomplish in the next few months?

Lessons from Woodworking

When I was in eighth grade, I had the privilege of taking woodworking. At the time, I had neither a wise nor a willing heart. I wanted to take home economics—not woodworking. But since the school didn’t have a budget for both classes, the principal opted for woodworking. He assured me that I would enjoy the class, and that I’d learn valuable skills. In the end, I decided I might as well go into it with an open mind.

Crazy About Clouds

Matter of perspective. Over most of the lower 48 states, it’s cloudy 50–70% of the time. Over these same states, it’s also sunny 50–70% of the time. How can this be? It’s simply a matter of perspective. You can call mixed skies partly cloudy, if you please—but they will also be partly sunny! Of course, some places are cloudier than others. The cloudiest places in the U.S. are the Great Lakes region and the Oregon and Washington coast; the sunniest area is the Southwest.1

Sowing in the clouds. It takes more than water vapor to make a rain cloud. The vapor needs something to cluster around and make a droplet—something called a nucleus, such as salt or dust. Sometimes clouds that have enough water to rain never do simply because there are no particles to form raindrops. Because of this phenomenon, scientists have developed a technique called cloud seeding to encourage rain in dry areas. Airplanes fly through clouds, dropping tiny pieces of compounds such as calcium chloride or silver iodide to make “seeds” for the raindrops. Sometimes these particles are shot up from the ground, using rockets, balloons, or anti-aircraft guns.

Don’t steal my cloud! Because of arid climate conditions in certain areas, China is one of the top users of cloud-seeding technology. In fact, it’s so common that the government uses it to “guarantee” good weather for national celebrations. Cloud seeding does cause disputes between neighboring communities. Cities race each other to harvest rain—and the losers accuse the winners of stealing precipitation!2

Cloudy protection. Did you know that clouds have altered world events? A number of battles have been confused or called off due to fog or rain—and God’s providence. One battle in the Revolutionary War was even named “Battle of the Clouds” because a torrential downpour stopped the fighting.

Holy cloud. God used a cloud to protect and guide Israel on their journey from Egypt to Canaan—and to veil His glory in the most holy place. But this cloud was more than a mix of water vapor and dust particles. This cloud was holy—because it was God’s presence! It showed God’s heart longing: to dwell with His people.

1. National Climatic Data Center.
2. The Guardian, July 14, 2004.

Not Enough

Imagine us gathered together with a group of architects and builders. We've been summoned from all over the country because, as the man up front explains, we’re the best. There is no one more skilled or that can do better work. At first the compliment makes me feel good, but as the man continues to explain our task, I start to worry. Apparently God Almighty wants to come and dwell among men, and He wants us to build Him a house.

It isn't just any house, either. The perfection required in our work is mind-boggling. And on top of that, God Himself gave the plans, which must be followed exactly. As our leader's words sink in, I wonder how in the world anyone ever thought I could help with this project. I can’t remember ever doing absolutely perfect work and, even worse, I’m a sinner. I’m not good enough, not holy enough, not surrendered enough. If I dare to touch God’s house, I’ll mess it all up.