“Such is the way of an adulterous woman’ she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.” Prov. 30:20
Today’s Christian daily devotional
“I have something special just for you.” Frank grabbed my arm and led me up the steps into the private VIP room.
It was a Friday night, and seeing Frank this early has thrown me for a loop. I glance at my watch. It was only half past 10. I had been dancing for Frank regularly for about two years; he was one of my best customers. More reliable than a golden retriever, I could always count on Frank to show up after dinner and drinks with the boys. That was usually after 12 p.m., like clockwork every Friday night. I liked Frank because he never pressured me to see him outside of the club and he always had a thick wallet of cash, with little restraint in using it.
The bouncer recognized him and ushered Frank to his favorite nook in the back.
“What is it? It isn’t even my birthday yet!” I was used to getting something pretty on special holidays, but there was no reason to celebrate today.
“Who cares? I wanted you to have it, so I got it. Nothing but the best for my girl.” He looked as excited as I felt as I watched him retrieve a velvet box from his jacket.
My slight hesitation, spurned him to pull the satin bow off and open the box for me. A beautiful diamond necklace sparkled like a star in that dark corner room. It was a unique design. Being a jewelry lover, it was easy for me to see that it was custom made.
“What do you think? I designed it just for you.” He beamed a wide grin, looking as proud as a schoolboy with a good report card.
“You did good, Frank.” I lifted my hair so he could fasten it to my neck and he happily obliged.
“I must see it in the light. Will you excuse me while I check it out in the ladies room?” I squealed.
“Have at it. I will get us some drinks for when you get back.” He settled onto the couch the grin not fading from his face.
I floated down the stairs through the showroom as I made my way into the restroom. It was Christmas in July for me.
As soon as my foot hit the bathroom floor, I headed straight for the mirror. The necklace looked just as brilliant in the light as it did in the dark. This piece of jewelry was no joke.
While I was consumed in my adoration, a woman customer emerged from a bathroom stall. I barely recognized her presence because I was so busy examining my latest bauble.
“Wow. That sure is a necklace.” The stranger said as she soaped her hands. She leaned in to get a closer peek and I proudly puffed out my chest in her direction.
A look of horror flashed across her face.
“I have the same necklace.” She swallowed her words. “My husband Frankie designed this for our 20th wedding anniversary.” Her hand was touching a carbon copy of my jewelry, hanging from her neck.
Fumbling with a weak excuse I got to out of that restroom as fast as I could.
Frank never mentioned a wife. But omissions were common in the dark world of dancing for strangers.
In my head, I always consoled my guilty conscience by claiming that my exotic dancing never hurt anyone. But, by the look on that stranger’s face, I was now quite aware of the fact that my actions had caused serious pain to people—even ones that I had no idea existed.
In Proverbs 30:20, God’s word says that a wicked person will deny his/her wickedness. Ask yourself if your actions are hurting another. Now, ask yourself what you’re going to do about it.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I cannot deny my wickedness any longer. Because I have seen so many vile things throughout my lifetime, it has been easy to let my favorite weaknesses pass as acceptable. I have always measured myself against other people, and have considered myself to be “not that bad”.
I realize now that when I accept my own evil behavior, I become a partner to my own destruction.
When I don’t allow the weight of my actions to hit me truthfully and when I sweep them under the rug, I dull my spiritual senses and weaken the power of God that lives inside of me.
Lord, I am ready to face the ugly truth about myself. Reveal my heart to me. Give me the kind of repentance I need to turn away from my sins and back onto you.
In Jesus’ precious name, I accept your cleansing power of forgiveness, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on: Proverbs 30:20
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan