A lesson on honesty vs. dishonesty
Just a Carton of Cream
“But you desire honesty from the heart, so you can teach me to be wise in my inmost being.” Psalm 51:6
The pastor’s sermon was about honesty and being truthful. He used the verse in Psalm 51:6, then asked us if there was something in our lives in which we had been dishonest. As soon as he said that, a picture came to mind—it was a carton of cream.
You see, the previous day when I had been unloading my groceries from the cart into the trunk of the car, I noticed a carton of cream under my purse that I hadn’t paid for. Oh, I hadn’t intentionally taken it; I just hadn’t seen it when I paid for the groceries. But I hadn’t paid for it either. It was Saturday afternoon and I didn’t want to go back inside the store to get in line again. So, I put the carton in with the other groceries, drove home and promptly forgot about it.
But, Sunday morning the Holy Spirit reminded me and convicted me of taking the cream
“Honey,” I told my husband as we were driving home after the service,
“I need to stop at the grocery store.” He drove to the store while I explained what had happened.
The woman at the customer service desk was very surprised that I came back to pay for the cream. She kept saying, “You are so honest.” After I had paid, I felt so free and happy “in my inmost being.” It is a good thing to be obedient to the Lord!
If the Holy Spirit is convicting you about something you have not been honest about—I encourage you to obey—as soon as you can. Don’t wait!
Father, it is so easy to rationalize a wrong deed or attitude. Yet you desire truth and honesty. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who convicts us of sin. Help us to obedient. Amen
by Katherine Kehler
used by permission
FURTHER READING
Why is What I Say So Important? | by Dr. Henry Brandt