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Don’t Take What is Not Yours

“You shall not steal.”¹

Stealing is a widespread problem in our society today. It has actually become more habitual for some than we realize. This commandment, unlike some of the others, is completely open-ended. For example, the fifth commandment is specific as to honoring our parents, and the seventh commandment speaks against adultery which is stealing someone else’s spouse. However, “You shall not steal” means we cannot take anything that belongs to someone else. This includes, but is not limited to, property, someone’s reputation, and kidnapping, which is stealing a person. Stealing also includes things like taking office supplies home for personal use, charging people more than the fair cost just to make more money, or keeping the extra change that the store clerk gave you by mistake. Just how God doesn’t differentiate between liars, he sees all stealing the same too. Regardless of how large or small we may think it is, stealing is a sin.

In addition to these more obvious ways of stealing, some may also try to steal from the Lord. In Malachi 3:8 God says, “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings.” While God is the giver of all things, and all that we have belongs to Him, He only asks for ten percent of our earnings. Yet many steal from God by not tithing as they should. Stealing from God doesn’t only refer to our money, but also to our lives in general. Jesus purchased our lives when He paid the ultimate price on the cross, therefore he is the rightful owner. Despite this truth, many try to steal their life away from God by refusing to surrender to His will.

Our life and everything in it is a gift from God. We should always seek to use and invest it for His glory. When we surrender to God’s will for us and let him take control, our lives will be full, we won’t steal from others because we understand that God will provide for all our needs, our character will be more Christlike every day, and our actions towards others will be respectful and kind.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, forgive me for the times I have stolen from others or from you. I want to live a blessed life, and I know this comes from living in full surrender and obedience to you. You are the giver of all good things, and I want to be a channel through which your blessings will flow onto others as well. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1.    Exodus 20:15.

 

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B,