July 22
The Eighth Commandment
"Do not steal." (Exodus 20:15)
Stealing has become such a widespread problem in our culture today that it is now commonplace. By that I mean, we are so accustomed to people stealing that we wouldn't even think of leaving our cars or homes unlocked. People break into cars. They break into houses. If you accidentally leave your wallet or purse somewhere, you don't ever expect to see it again. Stealing is so rampant in our culture that we are shocked when we see anyone being honest. It is such a rare quality today.
Yet the temptation to steal is constant. When you sell that house or car, it is tempting to inflate the price a little. When you receive too much change, the temptation is to keep it. But God says that we should live honest lives. Ephesians 4:28 says, "If you are a thief, stop stealing. Begin using your hands for honest work, and then give generously to others in need." The idea in this verse is not to simply cease doing what is wrong (stealing), but to start doing what is right.
Also, in 2 Thessalonians 3 we read, "Even while we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'Whoever does not work should not eat.' Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and wasting time meddling in other people's business. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we appeal to such people - no, we command them: Settle down and get to work. Earn your own living" (verses 10-12).
Know that God will honor the person who honors the principles of Scripture. The Bible says, "Do not steal," and it means what it says. If you steal, then you are unwise. And it will catch up with you.
Copyright (c) 2004 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright (c) 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
