The Secretary’s Secret

My grandmother’s old secretary bookcase, slender, tall, and sturdy, stood faithfully in the same spot for many years. Its prominence in the old farmhouse spoke of its importance for securing documents and other “valuables.” One day, while passing through the sunroom, I saw Grandma remove a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup from one of the small drawers above the writing desk. From that moment on, my feet did not pass the old secretary without coveting a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. My fixation was relentless! Unfortunately, there came a time when my child heart yielded to the tempter’s suggestion.

The sweet satisfaction I had anticipated from my first bite was fleeting, at best.

Regret and shame filled my heart for having betrayed my precious grandmother’s trust. Years passed before I had the humility and courage to confess my dishonesty.

Even so, Grandma mercifully extended her love and forgiveness.

Finally, I experienced the sweetest taste of all, repentance! Adam and Eve, real people made in the image of God, had all the attributes needed to fulfill God’s purpose for them. They were placed here to be representatives of their Creator upon the earth.

Unfortunately, at that moment so many years ago, I chose not to reflect the image of God. Instead, I identified with the enemy by taking something that did not belong to me. Some might say, “Oh, it was such a small thing. You were just a child!” I am reminded daily that taking just one bite of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden was no small matter! Our minds cannot comprehend the magnitude of pain, sorrow, and suffering encapsulated within that split-second of time on earth. All are a direct result of one “small” decision made by our distant parents to deliberately disobey God. It is the exclusive right of God to set the limits for our well-being and to establish the moral boundaries needed by humanity.

Knowing the propensity of humans to manipulate His Word, God warns us, “Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter shall pass from the Law” (Matthew 5:18, NASB). We must fully enlist on God’s side.

Straddling the fence usually leads to falling within the ranks of the enemy.

Dottie Barnett