“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8

With Gift Card in hand, we headed to Panera for dinner. My eyes immediately fell upon the pastries, in particular, a presentation of Bear Claws. When ordering, I requested ‘the Bear Claw on the top right please.’ How was I to know that simple request would become a dagger to my heart… with a battle to follow?

I grew up in a small town south of Pittsburgh. While in Jr. High school, I was privileged with an occasional job at the local Italian Bakery. It was there I learned the art of baking, and acquired a taste for Louie’s Bear Claws. Having eaten so many, I learned to be picky. The one on the ‘top right’ was covered in icing and almond shavings. I HAD to have it!

I’m no dummy. I requested ‘top right’ because, from HER position behind the counter at 180 degrees my opposite, there could be no confusion. I watched her grab the Bear Claw from the ‘top left,’ turn it sideways, shake off the loose almonds and then bag it! My mind and heart could not comprehend the crime that I had just witnessed with my own 2 eyes!

Within 2.7 nanoseconds, my whole being became a battleground! It started with judgment, “does she not know right from left?” When she shook off the goodies, I slid into attempted murder thinking, “how could she be so stupid?” My final crime was selfishness, “demand the fool go back and give you the correct one!” My battle ended in 30 nanoseconds.

Such is the application of today’s Bible Verse. ‘I am a judgmental, murderous, selfish PIG!’ That fact, proven in less than a second, is evidence enough to send me to the Lake of Fire for eternity! But ANOTHER fact QUICKLY overcame and conquered the first. ‘I am a child of God by faith in Christ Jesus.’ Being a Prince, The King QUICKLY reminded me to ‘ACT LIKE ONE!’

I wish I could say that the matter disappeared from my mind immediately. Unfortunately, both satan and my flesh were not willing to let matters quickly go by. Outwardly, I received the Bear Claw in the bag, then kindly thanked the gal for her service. But the battle raged inside all the way back to the table. Finally, I said to Katie, “I have a ‘Word for the Day!”’

Jesus said that those who put their faith in Him WILL suffer for it. Scars from my repeated battles over pride and selfishness are testaments to HIS victorious life in me. Remembering them humbles me, then leads me to Christ-like action. Jerry Reed said, “He who expects nothin’ ain’t gonna be deceived!’ Which is exactly what Jesus insists from me!

In the end, I guess you could say I was mauled by a Bear Claw… for His goodness sake! So what’s YOUR story?