How can we apply Exodus 20:15 in our daily financial decisions? The Simple Command in Focus “You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15) This straightforward mandate reaches beyond overt robbery. It forbids every way of acquiring or keeping money or possessions that God has not freely granted to us. Why This Command Matters for Our Wallets • God owns everything; we are stewards, not masters (Psalm 24:1). • Financial choices reveal our worship: honesty honors the Lord, deceit mocks Him (Proverbs 11:1). • Integrity safeguards fellowship with God and people (Psalm 15:1-2). Practical Financial Applications • Pay what you owe—taxes, rent, loans, wages—on time and in full (Romans 13:7). • Give full value at work: no “stealing time” through laziness, scrolling, or side gigs on company hours (Colossians 3:23). • Reject all forms of fraud: inflating expense reports, pirating media, or hiding cash income from authorities. • Honor contracts: no skipping out on subscriptions, leases, or agreements because enforcement feels unlikely (Psalm 37:21). • Keep your word in private sales: disclose defects, set fair prices, and follow through on promises (Proverbs 20:23). • Handle charitable funds with transparency: track every dollar, issue receipts, avoid mixing personal and ministry money (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). • Give God His portion first; withholding tithes is called robbery (Malachi 3:8-10). Guardrails for Modern Temptations • Budget faithfully—impulse spending can pressure us into dishonest shortcuts. • Use accountability: a spouse, friend, or financial advisor who may review statements. • Install safeguards—strong passwords, audit trails, and two-signature requirements for shared accounts. • Pray before big purchases; haste increases the lure to bend rules (Proverbs 21:5). Building a Lifestyle of Integrity • Replace theft with generosity: “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must labor… so that he may have something to share with one in need.” (Ephesians 4:28) • Practice contentment: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” (Hebrews 13:5) • Remember the small tests: “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” (Luke 16:10) Promised Blessing of Honest Living • Inner peace—a clear conscience outweighs any ill-gotten gain (Proverbs 10:9). • External witness—integrity opens doors for gospel conversations (Matthew 5:16). • Divine provision—God delights to supply those who honor Him financially (Philippians 4:19). Choosing integrity in every transaction transforms Exodus 20:15 from a mere prohibition into a daily pathway of worship, trust, and blessing. |
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