Everything that's free comes with a price!

Almost 10 years ago, I was new to the age of computers and I didn't have deep pockets of money to buy the software I wanted. I found someone at my job that provided CDs of the most popular software programs in the world for no more than $20! There were several types of CDs to choose from based on the type of programs you were interested in. I was drawn to the Microsoft Office® suite and other drawing programs.

Within a few months, I owned about $50,000 of software that I paid no more than $100 for. I was having a great time with these programs and they were helping me develop a lot of important documents and beautiful artwork. Now, around the same time (or later - my memory isn't too good here), I came a believer in Jesus. Over the course of several months, the Holy Spirit began His convictions of my ownership of these programs and CDs.

See, many of the programs I purchased were under copyright laws which prohibit using the software as I had. Under 'normal' circumstances, I would have been required to purchase the software (legally) and use it according to the company's terms and conditions - which many companies only allowed for one program to be loaded on one computer. You would not be able to load the software on multiple systems or download them on a CD to sell for $20. I was definitely wrong here...

Now, I was truly convicted and wanted to end my ways of software piracy. Like a fool, I tried to make a 'deal' with God to allow me to continue using the software until I could find 'suitable' replacements. Of course, there was no response from God ' I knew better! Though I wanted to change, I didn't know how I would be able to afford such expensive software.

Several months went by and I was sent to Mississippi for training. During this time, I was visiting a friend in Florida on the weekends. On one weekend, he took me to a Computer Show in the local area. As I walked in, I found a few vendors selling discounted computer software. The software was packaged and looked legit, so I asked if it was legal software - they said it was and boy was I happy! I was able to purchase Microsoft Office ® and my favourite art program for a fraction of the original cost - no gimmicks, no tricks, and no PRIACY! I was almost in tears by the time I returned to the car. My friend thought I was crazy...

Today, there are many people that download free software and copy/share CDs for free. Many of these actions are in violation of copyright laws.

Something as simple as borrowing a friend's CD to download on your iPOD® is a DIRECT violation of a copyright law.

As disciples of Jesus, we must be conscious of our actions and allow this area of our lives to bring glory to our Father in Heaven. Though you may not always be able to afford the programs or software you'd like, you never know how the Lord may answer the desires of your heart.

Take an inventory of the illegal software, movies, and CDs you have. Then take these items out of your house and out of your life. (Destroy them so no one else may use them.) You may feel that you're missing out on something if you throw those items away, but if you keep them, you may be missing out on something more important with God...which will you choose?!