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Perceptions #200016
COPPER NAILS
Author Unknown
HAVING CONSCIENCE TROUBLE? THEN READ THIS:
One night in a meeting the following story was told. A Christian boat builder worked for an infidel boss who was always sneering at his Christianity. In vain he talked to his boss and tried to get him to see the error of his ways, only to receive a mocking reply.
The young man decided to build a boat for himself and desired to use copper nails so they wouldn't rust, but they were too costly for him to afford. So he would take a few copper nails belonging to his boss each night, and put them in his lunch box.
One Sunday the preacher spoke on the necessity of confessing one's sins. In case a neighbor had been wronged, he pointed out that full restitution should be made. Under this preaching the young man felt himself to be a common thief. He had known all along that his action was wrong, but he always tried to justify himself in the matter. But what could he do? If he went to his infidel boss, the man would lose all respect for Christianity.
Two weeks later he returned again and the preacher knew that he had done what was right - he was rid of the copper nails he had taken and his conscience was clear before God.
He said he had asked forgiveness of God, then took all the nails he had left and brought them to his boss with a full confession. He offered to pay for what he had used. His boss had looked at him earnestly and said, "I always did think you were an old humbug, but I am beginning to think there is something in your religion."
The boss told the story to his wife that night and she replied, "I also have a copper nail in my conscience. The butcher made a mistake and gave me too much change. I'll take it back in the morning." She did, and told the butcher how she came to return it. He was impressed by the story and told a preacher visiting in his home the next day, who was to address a group of high school students soon. In the course of the preacher's address he brought up the story of the copper nails. Later the principal called up the speaker and said that over fifty pens, pencils, books etc., had been returned.
Do you have a copper nail in your conscience? If you have taken something unlawfully, return it. If you have wronged someone, straighten it out. Copper nails in consciences hurt - oh, what a relief to get rid of them.