Square Watermelon

The watermelons grew to the size and shape of the boxes; thus, they were square when removed. I bought a watermelon from him just because it was square and have used it for an illustration in several groups. You see, the watermelon had to conform to its surroundings because it had no choice. Yet, we often times conform to our surroundings, but we have a choice. 

I took the square watermelon into the detention center and did my meeting using it as a visual. The students connected with the thought that they get to choose what they conform to; no one made them. Being conformed by the bad choices they have made was indeed their choice, but the future is also their choice as to how they will be shaped. 

Romans 12:2 says: “Do not be conformed any longer to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” When I first got the watermelon it was indeed very square; however, after having it out of the box for three weeks it started to turn back round. Not completely but just a little as it was no longer confined to the box. Likewise, if the students would renew their minds with the truth of God’s word, it would also transform them into what they were originally designed for. It was like a light went on for some of them, and they understood that God had a better plan for their lives. I love it when that happens!

Nathan Kroll, JJM