We Do It More Than We Think

Verse of the day: Exodus 20:15 “You shall not steal.”

There are many of us who would quickly say, “I’ve never stolen anything from anyone.” Well, for starters, that is most likely not true. All of us, regardless of who we are, may have stolen from someone at some point in our lives, whether as children, teenagers, young adults, or older adults. When we deprive someone of something that belongs to them, without their permission, we are stealing. There is no worse feeling than having someone break into our home, our car, or any other place we may consider secure, and stealing our personal belongings. It creates a feeling of insecurity, fear, and even vengeance. Why would we want to make another brother or sister in Christ (or anyone else) feel that way? Why would we want this kind of reputation? When we steal, we may not do it in a manner that is commonly thought of. Have you ever taken something from your workplace, such as pen, pencils, printer paper, or any other office supplies, and used them for your own personal projects or home office? If you have, then you have stolen. Have you ever borrowed something and failed to return it? You stole. If we cheat someone by promising to complete a project for payment, and received said compensation, but failed to complete the project as promised, we stole. If we charge someone more than a product we offer is worth, or more than any service we offer is worth, we stole. Proverbs 11:1 tells us that the LORD despises this kind for dishonesty. When we arrive at work late, and leave early, or take an hour lunch break when we are supposed to only take a half hour, we have stolen from our employer. If we are an employer and we fail to pay wages owed to our employees for work hours completed, we have stolen from them. James 5:4 reads, “Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.” There are many who seek to cheat and steal from others by way of con schemes. As born again believers, we should not be known as people who cannot be trusted in the area of business and contracts. We, as God’s children, must be known, and trusted, for our honesty, and fair dealings. Let us take it a step further and ask, “Are we stealing from God?” “Do we give back to God what rightfully belongs to Him?” “Do we give back to Him the best of what we have and who we are?” “Do we use our resources, talents, and abilities for God’s glory?” “Are we robbing Him of what rightfully belongs to Him, and failing to serve Him as we should?” Malachi 3:8-10 records how Israel was robbing God by not giving Him of tithes and contributions. Today, God wants us to give to Him, but be cheerful givers of whatever we choose to give. The Apostle Paul wrote this in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, in respect to giving, “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” The bottom line is that we are to live honest, productive lives. If we stole before we accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, we must now work and labor to have the things we want, and provide for ourselves, and our families (Ephesians 4:28). If we are a Christian, and we are cheating others, and stealing from them in any manner, we must repent, confess, and forsake this sinful behavior. A Christian should not be known as a thief; instead, we should be known as the most giving of people on earth.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).