There is an old saying that goes, “You might make your own bed, then have to lie in it.” It is a highly modified paraphrase of the Bible verse Galaitians 6:7, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

There is a true story about a lady named Joan who was in nurses’ training. Part of their training was to practice making beds. One day she was assigned to practice the fine art of bed making on the surgical floor. She was just finishing in room 216 when an orderly brought in a new patient. Joan pulled back the sheets and helped transfer the patient from the gurney to the bed.

Later Joan decided to check on the new patient. She was shocked to find the patient dead from a heart attack! She ran to the nurses’ station and reported the death. Within an hour the body was removed and taken to the morgue.

Joan was again supposed to go to room 216, remove the sheets, and make up a clean bed. As she looked over the bed, she thought to herself, “These sheets were just changed. I can save myself a little work if I just make the bed. It will be my little secret!” Quickly, she smoothed out the sheets and fluffed up the pillow. No one would know but her!

Later that afternoon, Joan was eating lunch in the cafeteria with her friends. All of a sudden a sharp pain shot though her stomach. She was rushed off to the Emergency Room, where the doctor soon diagnosed her as having an appendicitis attack. She was whisked off to surgery.

When Joan woke up after the surgery, she found herself lying in bed in room 216! When she realized where she was and what bed she was in, she wanted out! But there was nothing she could do except lie there.

How is it with us? Do we take shortcuts that we know should not be taken? Do we knowingly violate God-given principles, thinking we will not have to pay later? Are we setting an example of faithfulness to Christ in all we do?

In our relationship with Jesus Christ, we cannot cut any corners. As the scripture says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked.” Another translation says, “Don’t be under any illusion: you cannot make a fool of God!” He knows all and sees all. With a full-heart surrender, render to God service that is respectable in all things. Then when we wake from sleep on the Resurrection day, we will be in the right bed—not one we made for ourselves! Or better yet, when we meet Him face to face, He will proclaim, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”