Beat the Waiter

One of my most embarrassing dates with my wife was when I had to try to beat the waiter.

I used to work in a restaurant, so I am very familiar with the tendency of some patrons to eat, beat, and hit the street. That is they beat the waiter by getting out of the door and into their car, before he (or she) can give them their bill for the food they have consumed.

On this occasion I actually asked the waiter to cover a part of my meal, as I had run out of money and Kay was broke too. That was embarrassing, to say the least. Nevertheless, the bill was paid in full. I paid my part and the waiter paid his part. I told him to give himself a generous tip. I avoided that fine establishment for years.

Even though the bill was paid in full, I always felt guilty and ashamed. I guess it is the same with me as I consider my relationship with God. I avoid study of the Bible or even going to church at times. I am afraid of the debt I owe. I recognize my strong desire and my failure to resist temptation. I still sin.

However, I need to look at the fact that the debt I owe to God has already been paid and I can return to that fine establishment anytime I want. In fact, the sooner I return the better. My delay in communing with God and those who are called by His name only makes it more difficult to do so.

This debt was paid in full. No, I did not pay even a part of it as the waiter did on my date with Kay. Jesus paid it all! Don’t let your heart condemn you for this debt. Christ has paid it. Accept it as paid in full. Go visit that fine establishment again.

1 John 3:5 You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin.

1 John 3:21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God.