A while back I read of a Chicago-land man who, while going to his favorite fast food restaurant, stopped at an ATM to get some cash. To his surprise he found a plastic bag by the ATM. After inspecting the bag, he found that it had over $17,000 inside (along with some cancelled checks and receipts). At first the man thought that someone was playing a prank on him and he looked around to see if there were any hidden cameras, or if someone was lurking behind some shrubbery waiting to jump out and tell him that the money was counterfeit. However, there were no hidden cameras and there was no one ready to jump out.
The man decided there was only one thing for him to do; go into the bank next to the ATM and turn in the money. He stated, “It’s not my money. I shouldn’t take it. I don’t care if you put another zero on there I wasn’t raised to take money that isn’t mine.” The man credited his deceased parents for teaching him right from wrong, “If I saw you drop it, I’d say, ‘Excuse me, sir, I think you dropped something.’” The bank folks stated that the bag did not belong to their branch, however, they called the police to conduct an investigation. After further investigation, the police found that the bag belonged to a different bank and the money was returned. As an oversight, an armored car employee had left the bag by the ATM. What struck me about this man is that he just “did the right thing.” He stated that he had no urge to keep the money. Not only was he following what he had been taught, he took responsibility for his actions by turning in the money. He didn’t even seek a reward – for in reality, his reward was a good and clear conscience.
Notice what the following Scriptures state concerning God’s promises when we do that which is right.
Deuteronomy 6:18,
“And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers.”
Psalms 37:27,
“Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.”
The psalmist stated in Psalms 143:10,
“Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.”
Unfortunately, many in our society (maybe even some “Christians”) would have looked at finding the bag as a “God-send”; stating / justifying their actions with, “I really need this money; I’m sure the money won’t be missed; surely the bank has insurance.” Note that the man mentioned above did not have enough money in his bank account for a complete meal; only a partial meal; yet, he did the right thing. If this man had of kept the money, he would have violated the truths that his parents had taught him – and he would have been guilty of the following truths.
Isaiah 5:20 states,
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”
James 4:17,
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
Proverbs 6:16-18,
“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief.”
God’s Word teaches us that as children of God, we are to live righteous lives; we are to “do the right thing.” We find this point driven home in the following Scriptures.
2 Corinthians 5:17,
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Colossians 3:5,
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Let us all learn from this man’s example; take responsibility for your actions and do that which is right all the time; for therein will you find your reward – in a clear and peaceful conscience.
