Craig Clouston

 Who Says?

For when you eat of it you will surely die.

Genesis 2:17

The boys had been friends since Carp’s family had moved in beside Benny’s. Growing up together in a small-town subdivision, they shared troubles and triumphs, bumps and bruises. For six years they’d been exploring life together; today they were in the woods that bordered their backyards.

“If you eat that thing, you’re gonna get sick,” Carp said.

“Who says? It’s only a stupid mushroom, Carp,” Benny fearlessly replied as he popped the pinkish-looking mushroom in his mouth and began chewing. “See, I told you. Harmless. Here, try one,” he dared.

“No way! My dad said to leave the pink-colored mushrooms alone. He said they’d make me really sick, maybe even kill me.” No sooner had Carp made his declaration than Benny got a funny look on his face and started choking.

“My lips and tongue are getting numb. Help me, Carp. I’m gonna die!” he blurted out in fear.

“Spit it out! Spit it out! C’mon, we gotta get you home quick!” Carp said, grabbing his friend’s arm and slinging it over his shoulder.

Fifteen minutes and two shots later, a scared and remorseful Benny was loaded onto a stretcher, an IV in his small arm to offset the anaphylactic shock he was experiencing.

†

Carp and Benny represent two general mindsets within society. One believes what they are told and follows the rules set before them; the other must figure it out for themselves. Many of us fall into the latter, causing ourselves and those we love a multitude of problems.

There is within us an incessant need to discover, lay claim to, and control the issues of life. God created us to go forth; but in some areas, such as today’s example and text, we are forbidden to proceed. One step across the line can result in death, physically and/or spiritually. Who says? God says!

We are given free will. His Spirit tells our spirit which things are off limits. Even in our mistakes, His grace will chase us to the ends of the earth. He leaves it up to us to respond.

Prayer

“My independent mind-set leads me to places I shouldn’t go, Lord. Please help me rein in that insatiable desire to explore places that are off limits. Amen.”