I put the stick of Wrigley’s Spearmint gum in my pocket. I turned. There stood Dad. He scolded me. He gave me a couple of stinging swacks across my rear with his belt. I was shocked he made such a big deal over a piece of gum.
I have a sister and two brothers. I am the big brother. Papa Wright kept his gum on top of the frig. It was my job to open the five-stick pack of gum and distribute a piece to the four of us. Then I would put the fifth piece in my pocket.
Dad caught me. His reaction stunned me. I thought “What’s the big deal!?” Do you think my Dad’s reaction was over the top or appropriate? Jesus said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16:10 NIV).
If a tiny bit of dishonesty is justified, then it is easy to justify a little bigger theft, and so on. As Christ followers, we are to be honest and trustworthy in all our dealings, whether public or private.
Some churches have compromised on little issues and today they are selling the farm on major doctrinal issues like the authority of Scripture. Some people reason that they don’t have enough money to tithe, that is, give back to God the first ten percent of their income, but that is precisely where you start, with the little bit you have now. We see stories of scammers who take millions of dollars from investors and steal the elderly’s savings, but each thief started with little lies. Some have taken a few drinks of alcohol and then it became drunkenness that brings great harm to their family, employers, and society.
The truth is, we all have compromised on little things that have become big problems. I have been told by some that the few good things they do, counterbalance the bad they have done. Of course that is self-deception. God requires total forgiveness of all sins. God provided the way for forgiveness and eternal salvation by trusting His Son Jesus who died and paid the full penalty for your sins. Trust Jesus.
Come find friendship, fellowship, and family. Worship on Sundays at 8:45am or 11:00am, and 18 Bible Classes for all ages meet at 10:00am. Watch at Balboa.Live, Facebook, or YouTube. www.BalboaBaptist.Church