A man held up a convenience store. He asked the cashier if he had change for a $50 bill. Then he put his $50 bill on the counter. When the cashier opened the drawer, the robber walked around and pulled a gun on him and said, “Give me all the money in the cash register.”
The cashier put all the cash register money into the robber’s bag, and the robber ran off. The cashier called the police, who came right away. They asked what had happened. The cashier said, “The robber took all the money from the cash register, but left his $50 bill on the counter.” The police asked, “How much money did he get away with?” The cashier said, “About $30.”
Acting out is a transaction. And we always give up more than we get.
Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:45-46).
Recovery Step: Every time you give in to your addiction, the cost is greater than the benefit. Remember that, the next time temptation knocks on your door.
