Bella Vista Church of Christ

LIFELINES

08/05/2020

Author Unknown

 

Do We Have Any Brass Nails?

 

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other

so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man

is powerful and effective."

James5.16

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will

forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

1John 1.9

 

  After hearing a sermon on confession, a man approached his preacher with a heavy conscience. He asked the preacher what he should do with his guilt: Explaining that he worked for a boat builder and had stolen some expensive brass nails. And that he could not tell his employer because he would probably lose his job.

 

  Further, he explained, "He will think I am a hypocrite. All of the times I shared my faith with him will go to waste."

 

  Finally, the guilt got so bad that he confessed his behavior to his boss, offering restitution.

 

  His boss responded, "Sir, I always did think you were a hypocrite, but now I feel there is something in this Christianity of yours after all. Any religion that would make a dishonest workman come back, confess that he had been stealing brass nails, and offer to settle for them must be worth having."

 

  The man reported his boss's response to his preacher the day before the preacher was to address a group of High School Students. In the course of his address, he brought up the story of the brass nails. Later, the principal called the speaker saying that more than fifty fountain pens, pencils, four books, and numerous other items had been returned to the office.

 

  So, the question becomes do we have any brass nails on our conscience? Let's take care of the matter and sleep easier tonight.

 

—Author Unknown