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September 6 The Long View

Food gained by fraud may taste sweet at first, but you end up with a mouth full of gravel. ~Proverbs 20:17 


He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. ~Ephesians 4:28 

Okay, this isn’t exactly stealing, but have you ever eaten more than you probably should have and then regretted it? It sure tasted good going down, but that over full feeling is uncomfortable to deal with. Stealing, of course, is a much more serious matter, but as with many sins that we give into, how often do we think ourselves fortunate to have gotten away with it in the immediate, but then, the consequences come back to get us eventually, especially when we are a child of God. 

Thank the Lord for that check in our spirit that keeps us from continuing down a wrong path. It is a sign of our growing maturity in Christ and our growing sensitivity to His leading. We have mentioned so many times before how discipline is a thing of love, the parent for a child, our heavenly Father for his own. Praise the Lord when that discipline becomes internalized because we remember the long view, the consequences after the immediate enjoyment. and we choose to make better decisions as a result. 

I won’t have that second helping because I don’t really need it and, once really is enough. I won’t spread that story, because I may not know all the facts and, it would only cause harm. I won’t take more than my fair share. I know it’s there and no one would stop me, but I will leave more for others. I won’t steal a few moments for myself when there is still work to be done. I won’t ignore my quiet time with God.

“My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them. If they say, “Come along with us; …my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed blood. These men lie in wait for their own blood. They waylay only themselves. Such is the end of those who go after ill-gotten gain. It takes away the lives of those who get it.” (Proverbs 1:10-11, 15-16 & 18-19) 

“People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction...But you, child of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:9 & 11). Like a person in training, we have a choice, immediate gratification, or the real reward, the words, “well done,” from our Lord Himself. 

Prayer: Father thank You for disciplining me according to my need. Thank You too for all the lessons and wisdom I have internalized to live by. But thank You most of all for Your mercy and grace that expect growth without demanding perfection. But help me to be holy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Song: Well Done 



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