“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” Ephesians 4:28

Katie and I were driving home in a torrential downpour recently and it was hard to even see the road. Since it was about dinner time anyway, I suggested we stop to get something to eat. After ordering, she went to get her drink and find us a seat. After getting the food and grabbing a wad of napkins by accident, I saw she had done the same. Immediately my guilt meter went off!

Raising 4 kids, and being a certified Sheepdog for Jesus, I’m still like a Father to the sheep in the flock. That means I am to teach those under my care about the important things of God. Because Church membership is voluntary, I can’t just come out and say things like, “clean up after yourself, be on time, or stop wasting money!” Sheep like diplomacy. But there I was, guilty of stealing!

It may seem like a minor offense, but the napkin holder had spewed out about 6 at a time. And there Katie and I were, with a stack of napkins we weren’t going to use! Not knowing napkin etiquette, I didn’t know if it was OK to put them back, throw them away or leave them for someone else to deal with. All I knew was, waste was sitting in front of me… and I was personally guilty!

Little things like that bother me. Some folks may tell you that I should be more worried about more important things, but I am me! Therefore, unless I’m taught by someone else, or by experience, my bothers are my bothers. I’ve learned that if something bothers Father God, it SHOULD bother ME! Today’s verse tells me that saving to share with others is a big deal with God.

The average cost of 1 paper towel is $.02. Two cents doesn’t sound like much, but if everyone twirled off 2 paper towels to dry their hands every time, the waste would be immeasurable. As I sat in the restaurant staring at our pile of stolen napkins, I gave that some thought. And THAT is my two cents worth for today!

Are YOU using God’s resources wisely and He expects?