Finders Keepers?
Whitney couldn't believe what she saw in the grass under the bench at the bus stop. It was a cell phone! No one was in sight, so she picked it up and slid it into her backpack. Her thoughts were tumbling all over. This is so-o-o exciting! Mom and Dad said I couldn't have a phone yet, but so many of my friends have one. Now I can just keep this one!
Most of the day, Whitney's thoughts were on the cell phone. They were troubling thoughts. She didn't show the phone to her friends because she wasn't sure they'd think it was right for her to keep it. And what will I say if Mom or Dad sees it? she wondered. Worst of all was, What does God think about me keeping it?
After school, she took the phone home, hid it in her room, and tried to do her homework. But her conscience kept bothering her. Finally, she gave up, got the phone, and put it on the kitchen table.
When her mother came into the kitchen, Whitney pointed to the phone. "I found this at the bus stop this morning," she said, looking at Mom hopefully. "I don't know who it belongs to, but . . . can I keep it? I'll be really careful with it, and . . ."
"Hold on!" Mom frowned. "And how do you expect to have the number registered in your name? Or pay the monthly charge?" she asked. Whitney hadn't thought of that. "What would God want you to do about this?" Mom asked. She picked up the phone. "It's turned off," she said. "Have you turned it on to see if anyone would call this number?"
Whitney shook her head.
"Let's try it," said Mom. She turned the phone on, and it rang almost immediately. "Want to answer it?" Mom asked.
Whitney hesitated, then took the phone. "Hello," she said.
"Oh-h-h, hello," said a man's voice. He sounded relieved. "I've been calling all day to see if someone picked up my cell phone. Thanks! I'd like to get it. Can we arrange to meet somewhere?"
"I'll let my mom talk to you," said Whitney, handing the phone to her mother. I'm glad the owner called, she thought. I would have always known the phone wasn't really mine anyway, that finders keepers' isn't God's way. Whitney smiled to herself. Besides, when I get my own phone someday, I want a pink one!
HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you find something, what do you do? Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, “Finders keepers; losers weepers.” That’s not God’s way. His way is to do the honest thing. It’s the only honorable way to go and the only one that results in true happiness and contentment. In addition, if others know you’re honest because it’s God’s way, they may be interested in learning more about Him. So when you find something, try to find the owner and return it. Do it as a testimony for the Lord.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 8:21)
Providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
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