Rich beyond Measure

I could not believe it. I looked down and there on the sidewalk was my insurance for the rest of my life. A stunning sparkling purple gemstone, surrounded by diamonds. I was rich! I picked up the ring and looked for an inscription, so I wouldn't feel bad about keeping this multimillion dollar find. No inscription! Finders Keepers! I slipped it on my finger. It fit perfectly. God sent me this ring!

Uh...no I didn't.

Excuse me? That must not be the voice of God. It is the Deceiver, trying to rob me of my fortune.

Someone will be heartbroken and searching for that ring. You must find the owner.

I tried! There is no inscription. It is in the middle of the sidewalk. Good grief. What more can I do?


(incriminating silence)

With a sigh, I walked into the various stores along the sidewalk and left my name and number.
"If someone comes looking for a valuable ring, have them call me," I said.
As I was returning to my car, the phone rang.
Drat! There goes my secure future.
"Vicky, I am the store owner. I had a thought. Many valuable rings are registered. There is a jeweler in this shopping center. Maybe they can help you identify the owner."
"Thanks," I said, "I will try that!"
I walked into the jewelry store, noticing some rings in the counter display that were very expensive and looked a lot like the ring I had found.

"May I help you?" asked the man at the counter.
"I found this valuable ring," I said, "And was wondering if there is any way to identify who it belongs to."
I handed him the ring.
He looked at it for all of three seconds, and handed it back, "Costume jewelry."
"Excuse me? It isn't valuable?"
He smirked and turned to a customer that wasn't a doofus.

Taking my ring, I hurried out of the store.

You were willing to sacrifice for me, weren't you?

Yes.


Well then stop blushing and being ashamed. It was a little test, but a test nonetheless.

My initial thoughts to do the right thing failed, however. I guess you know that.


Of course. Nothing is hidden from me. But what matters most is not where you start, but where you end.

Thank you. I feel better. Would it be ok if I kept the ring now?


Yes.

I don't really like it.


But you liked it when you thought it was valuable?

Hmmmm....I guess I did.


There's a lesson there, beloved. Ponder.

*************************
 

1 Timothy 6:10 

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

1 Peter 2:15 

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

1 Peter 3:17 

For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.