“Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:10-12
Being fully reliant on God means that we do his bidding, every day, in every way. It means we do our best to avoid thinking, speaking, or doing anything that is evil, bad, or wrong, for those things separate us from God. That’s why I had to walk back into Target yesterday. I didn’t want to be apart from God, not even for even a moment.
My sister and I had spent the day shopping for Easter supplies. When I was in the check-out line, I thought I heard only one beep as two sets of cloth napkins were rung up. I should have said something right then and there, but I hesitated, unsure if I was right. I didn’t want to appear like a old woman hard of hearing, (which I am) so I bit my tongue. I let my pride take charge, which never a good idea.
I paid for my things and pushed the cart to my car. God tugged at my heart with every step. “Check your receipt,” he whispered. I continued toward my car. “Check your receipt!” He instisted. I stopped and pulled it from my wallet. Sure enough. I had only paid for one set. “But it was a mistake. It’s not my fault,” I thought. “I’m going home. I’m tired and my feet hurt.” I started toward the car. Then I remembered if I stray from what is honest, and right, I stray from God.
I asked my sister to watch my cart. I took one of the sets of napkins from the bag and walked back into the store and back to the check-out line. The clerk with busy with other people. The line at his register was long. I stood quietly until it was a good moment to catch his attention. I laid the napkins on the counter. “You only charged me for one set, so I’m leaving this one here.” I’ll come back and buy another one tomorrow.” I turned to walk away.
“I’m sorry about that,” the clerk apologized.
“No worries,” I said, and meant it.
“Thanks for returning this,” he smiled, and put it away to be restocked.
I felt delicious peace was over me. “Thank you God, for the nudge,” I whispered in my soul. It felt so good to the the right thing! I could feel God smiling at me. I smiled back at him.
How honest do we have to be if we want to be fully reliant on God? As rigorously honest as we can be. We must be rigorously honest in even the little things, like a six dollar set of napkins that were mistakenly given to us. For even the missteps we make with small things, can separate us from God. If you are like me, your pride can lead you away from God, away from doing the right thing. Fortunately, we can make corrections and make amends.
F.R.O.G. Practice: Today, be rigorously honest. Don’t indulge in bad thoughts, words or actions. What type of day do you have when you do this? Can you feel God’s presence?