[303 words]
We are all familiar with news stories that highlight the “less than genius” decisions made by certain law breakers. Sometimes there are valuable lessons to be learned from these blunders.
One particular criminal had been in jail for a short period of time when he was released. However, only a couple of hours after he had posted bail, he was arrested again. This time he was charged with two counts of burglary. What happened? Why was he arrested again so quickly after being set free?
It was all about what he left behind.
At the first home he burglarized, the perpetrator left behind his police charge sheet.
At the second home he burglarized, the perpetrator left behind a DVD of his prior police interrogation.
There was no mistaking who it was that had been in these two residences.
Most likely, this was one of the easiest “open and shut” cases this particular police department ever handled. The evidence was overwhelming! It was obvious!
Such stories should cause us to stop and think: If we were tempted to laugh or even snicker at the plight of this particular man, we would do well to remember that our own actions are even more obvious to God!
And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account (Heb. 4:13).
Everywhere we go, every conversation we have, we leave something behind. We influence others positively or negatively. We may bring them closer to or push them further away from Jesus Christ (cf. Matt. 5:16; 2 Cor. 2:14-16).
It may be anger, frustration, confusion, etc. that we leave in our wake. Or it could be joy, comfort, encouragement, etc. that we leave with others.
What are we leaving behind?
Bart Warren
S. Green St. Church of Christ
Glasgow, KY