Hey everyone, and welcome back to Character in Crisis!

Today’s episode opens upon a newly-saved Tip Lewis. Along with his bright and eager desire to serve the Lord comes a familiar temptation to continue his old thoughtless ways of fun and pleasure. Tip is about to learn that though salvation is free, sanctification is often costly. Thankfully, he is about to receive a powerful weapon in his fight against the “lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1st John 2:16)!

Tip rises Sunday morning, eager to follow the Lord.

“He had not been [to Sunday School] since the morning that Miss Perry had taught the class…his lazy spirit had been strong upon him during the three Sunday mornings that had passed since then, and persuaded him to stay away from the school; but this morning he resolved to go.”

With this resolution comes the revelation that he isn’t quite suited for the occasion; his arms and hands are filthy, his clothes are threadbare and his toes peek out underneath dilapidated shoes. Tip lets out a desperate sigh. “If only things were different…”

However, his desire is greater than his despair, and a sudden thought illuminates his mind and motivates him to run down to the rickety water pump. Washing, scrubbing, and combing all had their effect and soon a very much altered Tip Lewis set out for Sunday School. His inward change of the past few days inspired a tangible difference upon his outward appearance.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2nd Corinthians 5:17).

Mr. Holbrook and the Sunday School class are much surprised by the change in Tip Lewis. His altered appearance and manners incite curiosity in his classmates and his keen, attentive gaze gives his teacher hope throughout that difficult, distractible class.

Noticing something different about the notorious troublemaker, Mr. Holbrook speaks with Tip after class. The faithful pastor realizes a miracle found its way into his class that day. Reaching into his pocket, he takes out a little red-covered Bible. The conversation that follows forms the foundation for the entire course of Tip’s life.

“I want you to take this for your lamp. Wherever you go, no matter how dark the road might be, this lamp will be a light unto your path—if you’re willing to use it. When you don’t understand it, there is always Jesus to go to, you know.”

A tremble crept into his voice as he spoke. Tip, with a Bible tucked up against his chest, leaves with a cup of overflowing joy. A beautiful burst of new beginnings stretches out before him. He had fought a battle that day and won. The enemy did not have territory over his Sunday morning!

As you head into this week, may these chapters inspire you as they have me—to walk in a way that is pleasing to the Lord, to make the most of the opportunities around us, and to fight temptation, no matter the cost. We may not wear threadbare clothes or have to go to a rickety pump to wash our hands and face, but we all have our own challenges. It is often in the smallest temptations that the greatest battles are won.

May we meet them head-on with the promises of our precious Lamp lighting the way of grace, truth, and love.

Till next time,