Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill and Tom are cousins born only ten days apart. Growing up they became best friends enjoying the same activities. During the summers, they would each stay at each other's house for a week at a time. They enjoyed outside activities from riding bikes, to exploring the forest, to playing baseball.

In high school, the two boys drifted apart, each developing different interests. During their senior year, Bill quit school and began working as a delivery person. Tom's mother did not tell Tom that Bill quit school until after he graduated. When Tom questioned his mother she explained that she thought that once he found out his cousin quit school that Tom would also want to quit.

Tom was upset that his mother did not tell him about Bill, claiming that he was not about to drop out of school. With Tom's encouragement, Bill eventually completed his high school equivalency test.

Sometimes we do not realize the impact we have on other people -- both positive and negative. The apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians of the experiences of Moses and the Israelites with the hope that their example would prevent them from stumbling into the same sort of trouble.