“Thou shall not steal.” Exodus 20:15
It was lunchtime, and the craving hit right on time. Now I love a good tube-steak, but unless it has chili on it, Katie doesn’t eat them. Entering the store that sold hot-dogs, my desire triggered the next events. The only question on my mind was, shall I have 1 or 2? Seeing only 3 dogs on the rotisserie, I began to prepare 2 buns. Halfway, 2 men came in looking for the same thing as me!
One man expressed a desire for 2 dogs to his friend, who deferred. But I had already put the mustard and ketchup on the 2 buns so I couldn’t yield one of mine, if he wanted different condiments. I realized if I threw a bun away I would be stealing from the store, so I simply said, “Hey bro, I’m so sorry, I already have these 2 buns ready!” “O.K.,“ he said, then made a decision!
Reaching in, 1 man grabbed the last dog, placed it in a bun, and to my and his friend’s shock, simply walked out the door! My brain was overloaded with what to do about what I had seen! Walking to the counter, I told the manager that they were out of hot-dogs. Then let her know that the last one had been stolen! She surprised me by saying, “I know, I saw him and know who he is!”
The whole surreal scene left me in a conundrum because I didn’t know what to do. Though I felt like there was something! Should I have kept my mouth shut? I offered to pay for the hot-dog, but the manager was already overloaded herself. It seemed more personal to her than to me, and my $2 wasn’t going to help! She just wanted to get back to work and let the offense go… for now.
One thing I have learned in life is that at SOME point, EVERYBODY steals! I’ve also learned that EVERYBODY KNOWS it is wrong! Which should give the clue that ALL are sinners in need of a Savior. Which should make MY job as a Preacher of Good News, VERY easy! Unfortunately, as they say, denial is not just a river in Egypt! But Hot-Dog!! I’m glad He sent The Savior!
Have YOU been convicted of your sin and checked out with the Savior for forgiveness? Because… He sees everything!
