Bible Edition Time Remote Summary Christopher has great dreams of becoming an inventor, but he dislikes anything requiring work. When he discovers that his neighbor Dr. Finkle has invented a time remote, Christopher uses it to avoid schoolwork, wholesome food, and jobs he doesn t like. Sending himself quickly through a life of avoiding problems, right into old age, he finally realizes the misery of an easy life. Discovering a hidden button on his discarded remote, he fortunately gets a chance to start his life over. This fascinating and inspiring story, Carl Sommer teaches the value of diligence, self-discipline, and responsibility. Main Virtues Diligence/Self-Discipline/Responsibility Other Virtues Appreciation, Caring, Cheerfulness, Cleanliness, Courage, Diligence, Initiative, Obedience to Parents, Perseverance, Positive Mental Attitude, Responsibility for Others, Self-Respect, Temperance, Trust, and Wellness Diligence/Learning to Work Self-Discipline and Responsibility Listening to Correction The Importance of Eating Properly False Hopes Becoming a Skilled Worker The Law of Sowing and Reaping The Future for Those Not Serving God The Fruits of Living an Easy Life How to Live an Unhappy Life How to Live a Happy Life Questions Contents
Diligence/Learning to Work When Christopher heard that the time remote works well going forward, the first thought that came to his mind was, I wish I had that time remote. I could skip all my homework. Here is the root of Christopher s problem he doesn t want to work. To be successful in life, one needs to be willing to work. Proverbs 14:23 In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty. Proverbs 20:4 The lazy man will not plow because of winter; he will beg during harvest and have nothing. Time Remote! Ephesians 4:28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. * 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 Aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, [12] that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. Additional verses: Genesis 3:19, Proverbs 21:25, Acts 20:34-35, 1 Corinthians 4:12 * The check is a recommended scripture to teach the particular lesson. All verses are from the New King James Version. Self-Discipline and Responsibility Dr. Finkle said to Christopher about inventing an airmobile, If you really want to do that, you ll need to work hard in school and learn to solve problems. Christopher complained, I hate problems, and going to school is just one big problem! Christopher did not want to solve problems and learn. He lacked self-discipline and responsibility. If you want to be successful, you need to learn to take responsibility to get knowledge and to face problems. Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 2
Proverbs 2:1-5 My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, [2] so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; [3] yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, [4] if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; [5] then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 3:13-18 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; [14] for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. [15] She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. [16] Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor. [17] Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. [18] She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her. Proverbs 4:5-9 Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. [6] Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you. [7] Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. [8] Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her. [9] She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you. Proverbs 19:8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good. Additional verses: Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs, 2:12-15; Proverbs, 16:20; Proverbs, 19:20; John 8:32; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy, 3:14-17 3
Listening to Correction Dr. Finkle was a kind, old inventor. When he heard that Christopher did not want to do his homework, he immediately tried to correct him and give advice on how he could become successful. Notice how Christopher reacts to Dr. Finkle s correction. Christopher was not listening. He was dreaming again, If only I had that time remote. Rejecting correction leads to trouble. Always listen to correction and rebuke. You ll be wise if you do. Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. Proverbs 13:1 A wise son heeds his father s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. Proverbs 13:18 Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored. Proverbs 15:5 A fool despises his father s instruction, but he who receives correction is prudent. Proverbs 15:10 Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die. Proverbs 15:31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. Additional verses: Proverbs 9:8; Proverbs, 15:12; Proverbs, 17:10; Proverbs, 25:12; Proverbs, 27:5-6; Revelation 3:19 The Importance of Eating Properly When Christopher looked at the food that his mom was cooking, he held his nose and complained, I don t like to eat meat and vegetables. But they re good for you, explained Mom. They will make you strong and healthy. But Christopher wasn t listening. Christopher will reap the results of this attitude of not wanting to eat properly. Taking care of your body is important if you desire to live a healthy life. Be extremely careful about doing things that hurt your body, such as smoking, drinking, drugs, and premarital sex. Some of these activities can ruin your entire life. Be wise take care of your body. It s the only one you ll get. 4
Proverbs 23:20-21 Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat; [21] for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. Proverbs 31:4-5 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink; [5] lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted. 1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? [20] For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God s. 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. Additional verses: Ecclesiastes 10:17, Philippians 3:19 False Hopes Christopher used his time remote so he could avoid taking his math test. As he went skipping home he said, Am I ever lucky! This time remote will make me the happiest person in the whole world. How many times people are deceived because they think what they are doing will bring them happiness. Build your life on a sure foundation of obtaining knowledge, not on false hopes of how you can avoid learning. Proverbs 12:11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding. Jeremiah 17:11 As a partridge that broods but does not hatch, so is he who gets riches, but not by right; it will leave him in the midst of his days, and at his end he will be a fool. 5
Luke 12:16-21 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. [17] And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops? [18] So he said, I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. [19] And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry. [20] But God said to him, Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided? [21] So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. 1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? Additional verses: Genesis 3:1-7, Proverbs 13:18 Becoming a Skilled Worker Christopher could not find any other job because he had no skills. He had used his time remote so he could have lots of fun playing; now that that he is older he has no job skills. Make it your aim in life to become a skilled worker. You ll never regret it. Exodus 28:3 So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron s garments, to consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest. 1 Chronicles 15:22 Chenaniah, leader of the Levites, was instructor in charge of the music, because he was skillful. 2 Chronicles 26:15 And he made devices in Jerusalem, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and large stones. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped till he became strong. Psalm 33:3 Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy. Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men. Additional verses: Exodus 31:6;, Exodus 35:10;, Exodus 35:25-26,, 35-; Exodus 36:2; 1 Chronicles 25:7; 2 Chronicles 34:12 6
The Law of Sowing and Reaping Christopher did not listen to Dr. Finkle, his parents, or his doctor; now he was often sick and always tired. Life was now one big problem. There are consequences when you refuse to listen to correction. You cannot avoid the law of sowing and reaping. What you sow you will reap. Proverbs 11:18 The wicked man does deceptive work, but he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. Romans 2:5-10 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, [6] who will render to each one according to his deeds : [7] eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; [8] but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath, [9] tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; [10] but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. [8] For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Additional verses: Job 4:8, Psalm 126:5-6, Proverbs 22:8 The Future for Those Not Serving God When Christopher passed by a church, he began to shake all over as he thought about his future. The Bible teaches that the future for those not serving God is hell. But the good news is that Jesus came into this world so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 25:46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 7
John 3:36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. Ephesians 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Additional verses: Matthew 25:31-46; Mark 9:43; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; Hebrews 2:3, 10:30-31 The Fruits of Living an Easy Life Christopher walked to the lake. He shook the time remote and said, The day I got this thing was the worst day of my life! Just look at me. I ve wasted my whole life. I wanted to be an inventor, but I never accomplished one good thing. Trying to live an easy life has brought me nothing but trouble and sorrow. The fruits of living an easy life lead only to misery. Be wise and prepare for your future by serving the Lord. Proverbs 21:17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. Proverbs 23:20-21 Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat; [21] for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. Philippians 3:18-19 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: [19] whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame who set their mind on earthly things. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: [2] For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, [4] traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, [5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! Additional verses: Luke 12:16-21; Luke, 15:11-24; 1 Timothy 5:6; James 5:1-6 8
How to Live an Unhappy Life Always try to avoid work, such as homework, cleaning the house, doing the dishes, putting out the garbage, cleaning your room, etc. Seek only those things that are fun. Every day spend hours in front of the TV. Go to bed late and sleep late. Complain when you have to get up in the morning. Don t study for your tests. Don t seek after wisdom. Never read a book. Always take the easy classes. Eat lots of junk food instead of healthy food. Smoke, drink, and take drugs. Don t listen to your parents or teachers. Never listen when corrected. Never admit when you are wrong. Don t prepare for your future. Make no room for God in your life. Avoid reading your Bible, spending time in prayer, or attending Sunday School and church. Reject Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Follow these principles and you will have a miserable life. How to Live a Happy Life Be willing to work, such as doing homework, cleaning the house, doing the dishes, putting out the garbage, cleaning up your room, etc. After work, make time for play and fun. Watch only the TV programs that God approves. Go to bed early and get your proper rest. Be happy and ready to work when getting up in the morning. Study for your tests. Desire to be wise. Read good books. Take classes where you will learn the most. Avoid junk foods by eating healthy foods. Don t smoke, drink, or take drugs. Listen to your parents and teachers. Listen to correction. Admit when you are wrong. Prepare for your future. Make room for God. Be faithful to read your Bible, spend time in prayer, and attend Sunday School and church. Repent of your sins and make Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior. Follow these principles and you will lead a happy and fruitful life. 9
Questions 1. What did Christopher say as he often gazed out the window? Christopher said, Ohhhhhh! If only I could be outside playing instead of being inside doing all this homework. 2. Who lived next door to Christopher? Next door to Christopher lived an old inventor named Dr. Finkle. 3. What did Dr. Finkle say he was experimenting with when Christopher visited him? Dr. Finkle said, I m experimenting with something that speeds up time. 4. What was Dr. Finkle still trying to do with his time remote? Dr. Finkle was still trying to make the time remote go backwards. 5. What did Christopher say he could do if he had the time remote? Christopher said, I could skip doing all my homework! Here is the root of Christopher s problem he s lazy and doesn t want to work. To be successful in life, one needs to learn how to work. The Bible says, Aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). 6. What did Dr. Finkle say to Christopher after he heard him say he would use the time remote to skip homework? Dr. Finkle said, This time remote is only for very special occasions. It is not intended to get people out of work or out of trouble. 7. What did Christopher plan to invent? Christopher planned to invent an airmobile. Time Remote! 8. What would this airmobile do? The airmobile would drive like a car and fly like an airplane. 9. What advice did Dr. Finkle give to Christopher about building his airmobile, school, and solving problems? Dr. Finkle said, If you really want to do that, you ll need to work hard in school and learn to solve problems. 10. What did Christopher say about going to school and solving problems? Christopher said, I hate problems, and going to school is just one big problem! Christopher did not want to solve problems and learn. God wants everyone to face his or her problems and to desire wisdom. The Bible says, Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her (Proverbs 3:13-18). 10
11. Dr. Finkle said to Christopher, If you want to become successful, you must face your problems and learn from them. One day when you re flying around in your airmobile, you ll be glad you did. What did Christopher do as Dr. Finkle was correcting him? Christopher was not listening. He was dreaming again, If only I had that time remote. Rejecting correction leads to trouble. Always listen to correction and rebuke. Wise people do. The Bible says, The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise (Proverbs 15:31). 12. What did the kind old doctor often tell his friends about borrowing something when he was gone? The kind old doctor often said, If you need to borrow something while I m gone, just help yourself. 13. What did Christopher say he should have been studying while examining his time remote in the park? Christopher said, I m supposed to be studying for the math test this afternoon. 14. What kind of day did Christopher say it was when he discovered his time remote worked? Christopher said, This is the happiest day of my life! 15. What did Christopher do and say when he looked at the food that Mom was cooking? Christopher held his nose and complained, I don t like to eat meat and vegetables. 16. What did Christopher s mom tell him about eating meat and vegetables? Christopher s mom said, But they re good for you. They will make you strong and healthy. 17. What did Christopher do to avoid eating the food his mother was cooking for him? Christopher went into the living room and secretly dialed thirty minutes into his remote. 18. What did Christopher say when he was eating his homemade pie? Christopher said, This is great! From now on, I m eating only what I want. Eating that way is a formula for ending up with a sick body. Wise people eat foods that are healthy. God wants us to eat healthy so we can honor God with our bodies. The Bible says, Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God s (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). 19. What did Christopher do in school because he did not study for his math test? Christopher slipped the remote under his desk and dialed in the time for the dismissal bell. 20. What did Christopher say that his time remote would make him as he went skipping home? Christopher said, This time remote will make me the happiest person in the whole world. How many times people are deceived because they think what they are doing will bring them happiness. A wise person builds his happiness on the secure anchor of the Word of God, not on false dreams. Jesus told this parable, The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops? So he said, I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry. But God said to him, Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided? So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God (Luke 12:16-21). 11
21. The next few days and weeks went by fast. Whenever things became hard, Christopher used his time remote. What did Christopher only want to do? Christopher wanted only to play. 22. What was happening to Christopher s problems? Christopher s problems were not going away they were piling up. His room was a mess, and he was failing every class. 23. What did Christopher do and say as he walked out of the school for the last time? Christopher threw his books into the bushes and said with a great big smile, I m so glad that my school days are over, and that my problems are gone forever! Now I can get a job and do whatever I want! 24. What did Christopher soon discover about his problems after he got his job? Christopher soon discovered that he had more problems than before. Eating out was expensive, and he barely made enough money to pay for his apartment and car. 25. What did Christopher say to himself when his boss complained about the way he was stocking shelves? Christopher said to himself, If he doesn t like the way I work, I ll just find a better job. Besides, I hate this kind of work. 26. What did all the employers tell Christopher when he began searching for a job? All the employers told him, We re sorry. We don t have any work for you. Christopher could not find any other job because he had no skills. He used his time remote so he could have lots of fun playing; now that he is older he has no job skills. Learn to become a skilled worker. The Bible says, Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men (Proverbs 22:29). 27. What did Christopher say about night school as the teacher taught? Christopher said, This is going to take lots of hard work. 28. What did Christopher do after two days of night school? After two days, Christopher quit school. 29. What kind of job did Christopher find after dialing three years into his remote? Christopher found a job sweeping floors. 30. How did Christopher finally feel about his new job? Christopher hated this job even more than stocking shelves. 31. What did Christopher say to himself when he noticed that other workers operating machines were making more money than he was? Christopher said to himself, I can do that kind of work. I ll go to the office and ask the manager if I can work on the machines. 32. What did the manager say when Christopher walked into the office and asked for a job? The manager said, We could use another good worker. But to work on the machines, you ll have to take a math test. 12
33. What did Christopher say and do when the manager told him he had to take a math test? Christopher said, Never mind. Then he picked up his broom and walked out. 34. What did Christopher s doctor advise him because he and his family were often sick? The doctor said, If you and your family would eat right, you would all be much healthier. Christopher did not listen to Dr. Finkle, his parents, or his doctor. Now he was often sick and always tired. Life was now one big problem. One reaps what one sows. Be wise and eat properly. Don t drink, smoke, or take drugs, for these actions harm the body. The Lord wants us to take care of our bodies so we can serve Him better. The Bible says, Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life (Galatians 6:7-8). 35. Christopher needed more money, so he searched for a second job. What kind of work did Christopher finally find? Christopher finally found a nighttime job sweeping floors. 36. What did Christopher often say to himself now that life was one big problem? Often Christopher said to himself, Oh! How I wish I had listened to Dr. Finkle. I could have done so much better. If only I could go back and be in school again...i d sure do things differently. Many people wish they could do things over but time only goes forward. Be wise and make the most of your time now. 37. What did Christopher say to himself as he daydreamed of the time when he no longer had to work? Christopher said to himself, Then I can do anything I want. Oh how I wish I were old enough so I could retire. Then I know I d finally be happy! 38. What did Christopher do when he realized he could be as old as he liked? Christopher jumped up from his chair, and without thinking any further, he quickly dialed in the time on his remote. 39. When Christopher was old enough to retire: A. What were his problems? Christopher was poor and sick, bored and sad, and had constant pain. B. What did he do at home? All Christopher did was sit in his easy chair and watch TV. 40. When he passed a church, what did he do? Christopher began to shake all over as he thought about his future. The Bible teaches that the future for those not serving God is that they will perish in eternal hell. But the good news is, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). 41. What did Christopher say about the time remote as he shook it in front of the lake? Christopher said, The day I got this thing was the worst day of my life. 42. What did Christopher say about his life? Christopher said, Just look at me. I ve wasted my whole life. I wanted to be an inventor, but I never accomplished one good thing. 13
43. What did Christopher say about living an easy life? Christopher said, Trying to live an easy life has brought me nothing but trouble and sorrow. The fruits of living an easy life lead only to misery. God wants us to be diligent and useful. Jesus told this story in Luke 12:16-21 about a rich man who made no preparation to serve Him. Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops? So he said, I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry. But God said to him, Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided? So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. 44. What happened as Christopher tried to throw the time remote into the water? The time remote slipped out of his hand and smashed against a rock. 45. What new thing did Christopher see on his time remote? Christopher saw a small, red button. 46. What did Christopher say when he became young again? Christopher jumped up and down and shouted, Hooray!!! I m young again! I ve got another chance to live my life over again. This is the happiest day of my life! 47. What was the reaction of Christopher s parents when he said: A. I need to eat my meat and vegetables? Christopher s parents wondered if he was feeling well. B. And after I eat, I m going to study for a math test and clean up my room? His dad and mom were in shock. They stared at their son in amazement. 48. What did Christopher not want anymore? Christopher did not want his time remote. 14