Put Things Right
Picture this conversation, using your imagination:
“I’ve stolen something, Lord, will you forgive me?” “Of course, son,
That is, if you’re truly sorry, and further stealing shun.”
“Yes, Lord. Thank you so much. Can I go now?” “No, not yet, son.”
“Oh...and why is that, Lord?” “Because there’s still something to be done.”
“But haven’t You forgiven me?” “Yes, because you broke My law.
The problem is: You broke another law — one I can’t ignore.”
“Which law is that, Lord?” “The civil law, the law of your land.
Only earthly judges deal with such. Do you understand?”
“Not quite, Lord.” “Well, My law is a moral law, it’s Divine.
You’re living on earth, son. There, all those civil laws aren’t mine.
You answer to them too, and should. Besides, My Word says to.
Therefore, own up. And where required, take the punishment that’s due.”
“Think of what folk could get away with if they just came to Me,
At least in the now, on earth -- certainly not ultimately.
You see, they could ask My forgiveness and get away with it,
Which justice wise, and morally also, just doesn’t fit.”
“When you wrong someone, break any law, you must put things right.
You’re a Christian remember — you’re supposed to be a light.
You reflect Me. I’m no law-breaker. And nor should you be,
Regardless of whose law it is -- that is, where it doesn’t clash with Me.”
“And don’t forget the victim, not just the law you broke. Seek them,
And then put things right with them. Not doing so, I condemn.
You must give back what you took. It’s only fair, for it’s theirs,
And this you should do before pleading with Me via your prayers.”
“What if it’s too late, Lord?” “Too Late?” “Yes, if they’ve passed away”
“Well, if you’ve done all you can, you’ve done your best, and that’s okay.
But you must do all you can, as genuineness that’ll convey,
And you can rest assured that, 'You’re forgiven,' I will say.”
By Lance Landall
“But
Zacchaus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I
give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody
out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.’ Jesus said to
him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house...’ ”
(Luke 19:8,9, NIV).
“ ‘So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember
that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift
there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or
sister, and then come and offer your gift [Christ insists that men must
make things right with their fellow men before they can be reconciled
to God (1 John 4:20)]’ ” (Matt 5:23,24).
“Then saith He unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which
are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matt 22:21, KJV).
It would also be worthwhile reading my poem "Excuse Me". A similar poem, "Regarding God's Judgment," can be seen by clicking on the arrow to the right.