Trailing!

The Philadelphia Inquirer once reported that in Strasbourg, France, there was a thief who had a sweet-tooth. He stole cognac, cookies, chocolates and caramels from his former employer. However, he couldn't wait to get home to enjoy his loot. He was easily found by police who followed a trail of caramel wrappers to his hideout where they arrested the litterbug.

There was a case not too long ago (in the Seattle, Washington area) of a cook who stole food and supplies from a restaurant where he worked. He also was easily found when a trail of flour was followed to his garage.

We might read these and consider what stupid thieves they were. We may also enjoy watching programs on television about the dumbest crimes or dumbest criminals. However, are we really any wiser? Do we ever do things of which we think we'll never be found out?

Paul wrote. . .
"(24) The sins of some men are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but THE SINS OF OTHERS APPEAR LATER. (25) So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden." ( 1 Timothy 5:24-25 ESV)

The New International Version read, ". . . the sins of others TRAIL BEHIND THEM."

We deceive ourselves when we think our sins will not find us out. Even if we are successful at hiding them from each other, God knows, and isn't it what He sees that ought to matter most to us?

May it be GOOD DEEDS THAT TRAIL BEHIND US. May we leave A TRAIL WE DON'T MIND HAVING FOLLOWED. That is what Jesus did as He walked the face of this earth. May we live in like manner.

Have a great day TRAILING WHAT IS WORTH FOLLOWING!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 10/16/1998 (edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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