Don't Take Advantage..

When I became a Christian - I believed that God held me to a higher standard than before. I know right from wrong - better. My conscience tells me when I am doing something wrong... I don't always listen to it - (if you read my I've Become My Mother Post today, You'll know what I mean)
but I do hear it more clearly... and I feel guilt at a higher level than I once did...
I believe that I need to set an example for others by the way I live.... Things that did not bother me before can really bother me now. I am not saying that I am judging others or that I am better - that is so far from the truth it'll make you laugh. I am a major work in progress and I pray with the grace of God - that I can show some improvement each day... Today, unfortunately was a backwards day......read I've Become My Mother and you'll agree - I did not act Christian towards my kids nor did I act like a mature mom.....
One of the things I feel is important is not to take advantage of people, employers, and anyone for that matter.... I often hear stories of people benefiting from other's mistakes... I really hate those kind of stories.... or the employee who decides to go fishing while the boss is out of town... and using the excuse that "I've worked hard and I deserve it".... my question would be... "If your boss saw you fishing... do ya think he'd like it? If the answer is no than you did not deserve the day off"
Today's society has become a "what can I get out them" society... Everyone for themselves.. Trip on a person's front step - sue the homeowner... crash into a pole - sue the city - kid is failing a class - sue the school district.... People trying to get something for nothing... People taking advantage of others.. Whether it be big or small... in the eyes of God it's the same.... It's stealing... Society has changed the name to "I deserve it" "The guy was dumb - so I took it" "No one will know" "So, I got extra change back - the store overcharged me anyway" Are you seeing a pattern here? I am....
As followers of Christ we have to stop taking advantage of the little things or in some cases the big things... I honestly believe that many people don't see it as stealing.... they see it as a lucky break.... I believe that Satan puts those breaks, pleasures, or "wants" in front of us.. He wants to pull us in.... and many of us don't even realize it's happening... crazy, huh...
I think the rule of thumb should be if you didn't buy it - it's not yours..... If you get too much change back - give it back.... if your boss is gone - work anyway... if you trip on someones porch - you're a klutz and get over it, and if you find a suitcase with a million dollars with no id tags or any possible identification - then call me.... just kidding....