God loves honesty

Today's affirmation

An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. Prov. 24:26

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Sunday paper headlines: doing good deeds and keeping the change

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:18

The Sunday Paper

The Atlanta Journal-Constitiution
 on the corner

On any given Sunday in metro-Atlanta paper-men and women combat Mother Nature – rain, heat or snow – hustling the paper.  For a couple of years Atlanta’s newspaper - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution have peddled their weekend edition on street corners. As with most commodities – unlike salaries – the Sunday newspaper increased its price to one dollar and fifty cents. 

In today’s economy there are not many items with a price tag of 50 cents. Two quarters, five dimes, ten nickels or fifty pennies – no matter how you count it it’s fifty cents. Noisy currency – change that can wear a hole in pockets over time!

Unexpected kindness

Each Sunday after church my routine – head to the corner and grab a paper–I love the coupons. This particular Sunday it was raining cats and dogs. Drenched, my paper-man approached with a smile. While he searched for change the Lord laid on my heart to do something extraordinary.  Opposed to waiting and allowing my man to get soaked I gave two dollars and told him “keep the change.”

The Widow’s offering

This small gesture reminded me of the widow’s offering – Mark 12: 41-44. Many rich people threw in large amounts but a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins… This poor widow put in more than all the others.

Please understand I am not being a boastful Pharisee. The point I am conveying is my four bits may not seem like much but to someone else it could mean the world. Giving a little from the heart can go a long way.

God is pleased with good deeds

The book of Hebrews – 13:16 – reminds us not to forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Be encouraged, find ways to give from the heart or bless someone. So, the next time you purchase a paper, cup of coffee, or see a homeless person give them the change because God loves a cheerful giver.

Unsuspected recipients

Keep the change

I have continued the goodwill gesture of “keeping the change” for six months. The overall reaction from unsuspected recipients - amazed, peppered with genuine “I really appreciate this very much.” Yet, on occasion there are those who don’t say a thing. But it is the gleeful smile from a teenage girl which reassures me that my fifty cents does make a difference. I drive away thanking God for another opportunity share with others even if it is just spare change – fifty cents.

Keep the change even when it’s not yours: Monetary Temptations

Keep the change even when it's not yours

Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him. James 1:12 

One man’s loss

On a recent visit to the ‘Golden Arches’ I took advantage of their sausage egg and cheese ‘what-cha-ma-call-it’ special. My total was $3.21. I tendered $5.21 to the cashier.  In a rush the manager gave me $3.00.  I was faced with a dilemma; perceive this as a blessing of sorts “one man’s loss is another’s gain?” Or demonstrate honesty and return the funds?

God’s daily quiz

Daily I am tested. Do I choose to eat sausage, eggs, grits, and toast or a bowl of oatmeal? Run a yellow light or stop? There are also family related decisions seek higher paying employment which includes traveling or stay home and enjoy family?  How I adapt, adjust or endure is the quagmire.  Life flings situations everyday; albeit a meal, stop light or job decision.  Yet each example displays how choices can interfere with life.  Do I succumb to my temptation’s grasp or allow God’s Spirit to lead?  More often than not man follows his mind’s desire oppose to God’s.

Trials and victories

According to scripture, the man who is tried and fight through shall receive the crown of life!  Based on these words being kicked around mentally and physically is commonplace. In some form or fashion, large or small anticipate a per Diem of trials. Situations will manifest, and when they do, it is imperative to be equipped with God’s knowledge in order to claim victory. The word ensures a greater chance to prevail. 

God does not tempt

I had to learn temptation is not of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man Jam 1:13.  So, a question rose, “are temptations exams to strengthen my faith?” Jesus’ albatross was Satan. He attempted to seize a moment of ‘weakness’ to tempt Jesus. It was faith and knowledge of Abba Father’s word that sustained Jesus.

Christian situations

Resisting Temptation

For each day I live, there will be crossroads to face. How strong my faith is will be exemplified based on the response.  God does care how I counter them even little things such as returning my so called blessing. Sure I could easily pocket the dollar and Mickey D’s could have written it off as a miscellaneous petty funds lost. But what would I have gained? Or lost? So as a Christian it was my responsibility to give the dollar back.

How to respond

When facing temptations how do you retaliate? Do give in or learn to resist. In the end by resisting, the dividends will be spiritual growth which allows your Christian light to shine for others to see.

It was apparent the manager was hastened that day. Before driving off I noticed a puzzle look on his face while handing him the dollar. “You gave me too much change.” A sigh of relief was seen and a heart felt “thanks I really appreciate you giving this back” made me realize that God was pleased with me for being honest.  Blessed is the man that endures temptation.