Exodus 20:15 “Thou shalt not steal.”
Most everyone is aware of this commandment. Stealing is becoming more prevalent in our society than ever, although it certainly is not new.
There are many different ways to steal. While some people may not want to consider some of their actions as stealing, God looks at them all the same way. He hates it and will judge those that do so. Here are some ways people steal today:
- Taking things that are not yours – from a store, employer, etc.
- Failing to do your best on the job or are just plain lazy – remember that they are paying you to do a good job.
- Do not give love or other duties to those you should (spouse, etc.)
- Steal from the government by not reporting all your income on your taxes.
- Borrow things from others and never give them back.
- Contractors can steal by doing less work, or poor quality work, or by using inferior materials, on a job.
- Getting government checks when you could work – but don’t.
- Steal from God by not paying the tithe.
- And more.
The Apostle Paul reveals what a Christian’s attitude ought to be toward this sin, in Ephesians 4:28: “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” God expects us to work. We are made for it and are healthier when we do. God even gave Adam and Eve work to do before the Fall.
In order to maintain a good Christian testimony, Paul reminds us that we should be “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (II Corinthians 8:21).
Stealing demands restitution. Christian, are you willing to make it right before God and men? Are you setting a pattern you want your children to follow?