Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Whenever you see a movie where at the beginning of it, it appears that the "Bad Guy" is going to "get away" with a crime he just committed, do you catch yourself just hoping he'll be caught before it is over? If you're like most people, you probably do. On the other hand, do you ever try to "get away" with stuff yourself. For example, when you speed up to beat a red light and as you pass the intersection you realize you were a little bit late, do you glance at your rear view mirror to see if a cop is following you? When there isn't, do you get the feeling that you got away with something?
With the hope of reminding my children to always be honest, when they were still living with us, I would remind them from time to time of the truth found in Numbers 32:23 which says: "be sure your sin will find you out." Originally these words were uttered by Moses to leaders of the tribes of Ruben and Gad when right before God's people were to enter their promised land, they requested the territory east of the Jordan River which was perfect for them to tend to their cattle. Moses protested at first because it was likely that Israel would be involved in battles and it seemed that these tribes would not be around to help their brethren. They promised Moses they would accompany the rest of the tribes until they were all settled and then return to their own territory. Moses accepted their proposal but reminded them that the Lord would hold them to their promise. Here is what the complete verse says: "But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out."
                 
I thought back to those days yesterday when I went to pick up my computer which was affected by the same storm that has temporarily displaced us. I asked for a receipt of the repairman so I could send a copy to my insurance carrier. He asked what amount I wanted him to write, implying he could write down a much larger one. I quickly asked him to write down what I actually paid making sure to also inform him that if I was dishonest, it would come back one day and bite me in the behind. I added that in this life people only "get away" with stuff temporarily and they will pay for it sooner or later; if not in this world, certainly in the next. Many in the world have the "do it to them before they do it to you" mentality. Don't fall into that trap! Paul wrote: "Let no one deceive you
with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient." (Ephesians 5:6) It may be an old, overused cliché, but "honesty is the best policy." It always has been, and always will be.

Memory verse for the week: (Proverbs 16:11) Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of His making.

Note: It is Good to be back. I hope to visit with you again as often as I have the opportunity.