Several years ago one of my church members confessed to me, his pastor, that
he had committed a crime that was currently being investigated in the small
town where we lived. He told me he had a hard time sleeping because he
imagined every sound he heard was the police coming to shackle him. When he
would pass a police car on the highway his hands would instantly grow wet on
the steering wheel and his knees would go weak. He was a paranoid
psychological wreck. The only way he was going to find peace was to make
things right.
His predicament reminded me of Proverbs 28:1, “The wicked flee when no one
pursues.” There are amazing benefits to be had by living an honest life.
Not only will God bless such a life but you don’t have to worry about being
caught. If you cheat on your income tax you hold your breath every time you
open the mailbox thinking today is the day you get the letter from Uncle Sam
informing you of an impending audit. If you are speeding down the highway
you cannot enjoy the scenery. You have to have one eye on the rear view
mirror and be tensed to hit the brake whenever any government-looking car
appears.
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
but his delight is in the law of the LORD. He shall be like a tree planted
by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, . . . and
whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1
Written by Roger Bothwell on August 6, 2008
Spring of Life, 901 Signorelli Circle, St. Helena, CA 94574