Word Count: 649

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Old Clothes

by Nancy Jo Wilson  
8/08/2007 / Teen Issues

Mark lay with his arm across his eyes, guarding against the light seeping through his window. "Why did this happen again?" He thought as he remembered the night before. "I was just going to hang out, but I ended up with a beer bottle in my hand. How did it turn into two, three and four? And the girl," he moaned. "Good thing she stopped it before it went too far, though I was such a jerk when she did. I have to find her Monday and apologize. This isn't supposed to happen now that I'm saved."

"If you're a new creature, why are you wearing old clothes?" someone spoke.

Mark jerked up and found himself looking at a man he did not know. Fight or flight kicked in, causing Mark to stand.

"Don't be afraid." The stranger said, calmly. "I'm here to help you." Surprisingly, Mark listened and relaxed. After sitting, he took a moment to study the newcomer. The best word to describe the man was 'normal.' He was average height with brown hair and eyes. This guy could be anyone, Mark thought.

"You're a new creature, but you still act in your old ways."

"I know." Mark sighed, running a hand through his shoulder length hair. "I try hard to do what is right, but I keep failing."

"Last night would not have happened, if you had not been there. You still listen to all the same music, watch all the same movies and spend time with the same people. Of course, you fall into the same sins."

"What am I supposed to do, blow off all my friends?"

"No, but your best friends should point you to Christ, not away. Proverbs says 'As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.'"

Mark was quiet, fingering the flesh plug in his earlobe. Finally he said "Guys like that don't usually like guys like me."

Sorrow and anger played over the man's features as he said "Unfortunately, some will judge you based on your appearance, but there are those that will love you as Christ does. You can find them if you look."

"There's a group that meets during lunch on Wednesdays. Maybe I'll give them a try."

"I know that group, it's a good one." The man said and disappeared. There was no poof, boom or flash of light, he was simply gone. Mark looked about his room, not one hundred per cent sure that it had actually happened, but determined to follow through.

On Wednesday, he approached the classroom listed on the flyer. His stomach churned and he considered coming another time. As he mulled this over, another boy approached and greeted him with a grin. "Hey, I'm Josh. Are you here for the bible study?"

"Umm, yeah," Mark mumbled.

"Great! We're studying the book of Luke. What's your name?" Josh asked.

"Mark."

"Cool, a Gospel name." Josh replied, opening the door. Eleven boys and girls turned to look, making Mark shrink inwardly. "Everybody this is Mark." Josh said.

"Hey Mark." They all answered in unison as the two boys entered the room and sat down. The teens around Mark introduced themselves and brought him into their conversation. Soon the leader asked for prayer requests. Mark listened as some shared their weaknesses and was shocked that there were no harsh rebukes. Heartfelt intercession followed and Mark could not resist the brotherly love. He knew then that he would be back next week.

*****

Mark, silver now peppering his hair, openly listened to the boy across from him. The teenager spilled his heart about personal trials and struggles. "I don't know Pastor Mark," he lamented. "It seems like no matter how hard I try, I end up doing the same sins over and over."

With a twinkle in his eye, Mark leaned forward and asked, "So who've you been hanging out with?"

Nancy Jo Wilson is a homeschool mom of one. She lives with her family in Florida. She writes columns on homeschooling and Childlike Faith for www.seekgoddaily.com.

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