Daily Reflections, Friday, April 27, 2007

Today's Quote: The indulgence of one sin opens the door to further sins. The indulgence of one sin diverts the soul from the use of those means by which all other sins should be resisted.—John Owen

Today's Scripture: Exodus 20:15

Conscience-stricken people handed in large quantities of stolen goods including hotel towels, a bathrobe, cash, hospital crutches, library books, CD's, and videotapes after attending a church rally. A preacher called on the congregation to follow the 8th Commandment, "Thou shalt not steal."

The church in Liverpool, England, designated special large containers in which the items were to be placed. J. John, the pastor said, "Stealing any item, however small, is wrong. The commandment doesn't say, "Don't steal over one pound (sterling) at a time. A man who is now a vicar took towels from the Wimbledon tennis championships years ago when he was working there. He kept them all these years and has returned them."

Are you teaching your children that it is wrong to steal but yet you have stolen things that you think are "inconsequential?" Paper clips, pens, towels, when children see adults take these things, it is hard to imagine that they will listen when adults tell them not to steal. Take the Eighth Commandment seriously today.