A Walmart Revelation

Ok, so yesterday I was at Walmart. (ugh, right?) I was actually there on "church business," shopping for some supplies for a demonstration in our youth group. I checked out in the "20 Items or Less" line, and the girl was young and seemed very sweet. (Blaine always makes fun of me for getting their life story while I check out! haha)

She finished most of my stuff, and then grabbed the last item. There were two $15 giftcards stacked on top of the box of sheets as she scanned it. Seriously, there is no way she couldn't see them. She had to hold them down on top of the box to scan it! But regardless, she put all 3 items in the bag and hit total.

Now, I watched her do it. And then I definitely saw the total and knew it couldn't include $30 of giftcards. And so, of course, I pointed out her mistake and had her rescan them.

But to my dismay, my disappointment, and to true shock, would you believe that in that short 3 second span before I corrected her, the thought of "don't say anything" actually went through my head? I'm just being transparent with you this morning, and believe me, I was surprised too! This sneaky small voice quickly piped up and said "Keep it! She had to have seen it, and she's doing you a favor." It said "It's not your fault she missed it." I'm telling you....that voice came out of nowhere and FAST! I was so appalled that the thoughts had gone through my head I probably gushed way to forcefully "Oh you missed 2 things. Here, rescan them!" haha It was like I felt that by just thinking those thoughts I had actually committed the act!

And this is what I took from that: I'm a pastor on staff at a church. I love Jesus with my whole heart. I am honest almost to a fault and never break rules because I just can't take it. AND YET, that enemy that hates my soul was ready in an instant for me to take the opportunity. I almost felt violated! That he would be so present in my thoughts!

And so I left wondering how present is he in my daily thoughts? It may not be thoughts about stealing, but how present is he in thoughts about other people? Or thoughts about my job, or about my husband? How often is he chiming in with an opinion that DOES NOT MATTER? And so I thanked God for that little moment that shook me, and vowed right then and there in the Walmart parking lot to be on constant guard for the enemy and his schemes. I pray that my thoughts would be God's thoughts, and that my actions would always be pleasing to Him! And just like I shut down the ridiculous suggestion of stealing, I pray I would continue to boldly shut down anything that doesn't make me more like Jesus!

That's my prayer for you today too!
Much love!

PS- Don't judge! : )