Tempted to Deceive

Lynn's mail order cotton knit dress finally arrived. As soon as the UPS driver delivered it, in her rush to get the packaging dyes out, she threw it into the washer and dryer. When she tried it on, it had shrunk a whole size. She stood before the mirror, tugging and pulling. Both the sleeves and length were too short, and when she yanked the sleeves, the seam ripped.

When Lynn told her friends, Sue advised, "Just send it back, Lynn. Who cares if you shrank it. Tell the company it was too small to begin with."

"This happens all the time," added Jennifer. "Women always buy expensive dresses, wear them once, and take them back for a refund."

Lynn knew her non-Christian friends wondered what she would do. After their lines re-played in her mind, the Holy Spirit whispered, "Don't be tempted to deceive. Do not fail these ladies; you are an example to them."

Lynn did not want to grieve the Spirit. Yet these ladies were her friends. She thought she would risk their disapproval if she was honest about the dress when she returned it.

"Dear God, You see my dilemma. Please help me make the right decision and give me the peace to live with the outcome."

Lynn sent the dress off explaining why it was so small. The minute she dropped the dress off, she was at peace.

A few weeks later, to her delight, the UPS delivered a new cotton knit dress. But even if her request had been denied, her peace was far more precious than a new dress.

Thank You, Lord, for giving Your peace to be our guide.

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much" (Luke 16:10).