The Footprints in the Wet Cement

The new path beside the church hall had been roped off while the cement dried. Lucas knew he should stay outside the barrier, but he wanted to see how far the work had reached behind the building.

He stepped over the rope and placed one foot on what looked like a firm edge. His shoe sank slightly. He pulled it back, leaving a clear print. Nobody was nearby, and he hurried to scrape the cement from his sole with a stick.

For the rest of the afternoon, Lucas acted unusually helpful. He carried chairs, opened doors, and offered to sweep the entrance. He hoped being useful would keep anyone from connecting him with the mark beside the building.

When the caretaker found the footprint, Lucas heard him asking whether anybody knew what happened. He almost described another child who had been near the rope earlier. Then he recognized that he was preparing to make his own wrong into someone else's trouble.

Lucas went to the caretaker and explained the whole thing. The cement could still be repaired, but the area had to be checked carefully. Lucas stayed outside the barrier and helped carry safe, empty containers where he was directed. This time his useful work did not serve as a hiding place.

At home, he read David's words about truth in the inward parts. The Lord had known what happened before the footprint was discovered. Lucas's cheerful appearance had never made the hidden choice honest.

We can become very busy polishing the outside of a situation while protecting a lie underneath it. God calls us to truth. Confession does not guarantee that every consequence disappears, and it should not be used to manipulate someone into praise. It brings our actual conduct into the light. Lucas could still be helpful after admitting his wrong, but the help now belonged beside honesty. The repaired path would soon look smooth again. His heart needed something better than a smooth story, and telling the truth was the beginning of a different way to walk.