Today offered me an opportunity to cheat a local business.

I picked up a requested item at our local Sam’s Club and then chose to use the do-it-yourself checkout line for payment.  My single item was put on the counter, scanned, and then I was prompted to pay.  The price that came up on the register screen was just under $4.00—a lot less than my item should have cost.  Too, the product showing on the register screen did not match what I had placed on the counter.

After asking a supervisor to come and look into this matter we realized what had happened.  The counter on which my item was resting had several bar-codes which customers could scan for popular items such as ice.  When the handheld laser was directed at my item, it apparently picked up one of these counter bar-codes and thus registered the wrong product and the wrong price.

Once the problem with this transaction was identified I suggested this manager consider getting rid of these bar-codes.

Different people are enticed by different temptations, but we can all be tempted in some way.  Since Christians are to be concerned about temptation and sin, Paul’s inspired teaching in Eph. 6:10-18 is something we should often read and repeatedly seek to heed.

Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.  11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual (hosts) of wickedness in the heavenly (places).  13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.  14 Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil (one).  17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  18 with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

Brad Price
www.abiblecommentary.com