10 Rules for a Better Life (#8)

“You shall not steal.” Exodus 20:15

This is just one of those straightforward rules. You know what stealing is and you know that God doesn't want you to do it. It should be that simple, end of story.

But we like to complicate things with a lot of excuses like, "They'll never miss it." or "It's ok if I take from this person. They mistreat people all the time."

Do you really think God is going to hear those lame excuses and say, "Well, in that case, go right ahead and help yourself."? Am I the only one who thinks that sounds ridiculous?

Nevertheless, we make these dumb excuses because deep down we believe that we either know better than God, or what we want is more important than what God has told us. I know that sounds a little harsh, but we drastically underestimate our own selfishness even when it's staring us right in the face.

Think about it, when was the last time you put your own wants and desires above what God said? If you're honest with yourself, you probably don't have to think very far. Maybe you took something in a store or at someone's house (maybe your own house), or perhaps you lied on your time-card and accepted something you didn't earn.

Let me stress again the simplicity of this command. It's only four words, but the point can be compressed into two: "Don't steal." There is no room for exceptions or excuses. God wants His people to give to others, not take from them. If you're the one who needs something, do you trust that God will provide?

"He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” Ephesians 4:28

Furthermore, can you trust someone who has a reputation for taking things that don’t belong to them? God doesn't want His people to be known as untrustworthy thieves. And just because nobody catches you does not mean that God doesn't see it.

Our actions often reflect our attitudes. Think about someone who steals. What kind of attitude must a thief have to take from others? Probably something like this: "My own wants needs are more important than others' wants and needs." Is that the kind of attitude God wants us to have toward people?

“The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:9-10Again, this principle is not complicated: God wants us to love Him and love others. We can't very well love those around us if we're stealing from them. So whether it's shoplifting, taking money from your mom's purse, or "borrowing" from your brother or sister without asking them, cut it out! God hates all of it no matter how bad or not-so-bad you think it is.