What does "You shall not steal" teach about respecting others' property rights? The Heart of the Eighth Commandment “ ‘You shall not steal.’ ” (Exodus 20:15) Eight short, direct words that reveal God’s unwavering concern for how we treat what belongs to someone else. At its core, the command places a holy fence around every person’s goods, wages, reputation, and creative work. Why Property Rights Matter to God • Personal dignity – Owning something is a God-given extension of being made in His image (Genesis 1:27-28). • Stewardship – What we possess is ultimately the Lord’s (Psalm 24:1); He entrusts resources to individuals for wise management (Matthew 25:14-30). • Neighbor-love – Respecting another’s property is a practical way of obeying “ ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” (Romans 13:9). Forms of Stealing the Command Forbids • Taking goods, money, or land outright (Joshua 7:1-26—Achan’s theft brought judgment). • Fraudulent business practices, false weights, or deceptive advertising (Leviticus 19:35-36). • Withholding wages or benefits due (James 5:4). • Dishonest taxation or expense claims (Luke 3:12-14; Romans 13:6-7). • Intellectual piracy—ideas, music, software, or exams (Proverbs 11:1). • Time-theft on the job—being paid for hours not worked (Colossians 3:23-24). • Robbing God by ignoring tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:8-10). Positive Virtues the Command Promotes • Industry: “The one who steals must steal no longer; indeed, he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good.” (Ephesians 4:28) • Generosity: “…so that he may have something to share with the one in need.” (Ephesians 4:28) • Contentment: Trusting God to supply needs instead of grasping for more (Hebrews 13:5). • Integrity: Living transparently so our “yes” means “yes” (Matthew 5:37). Christ’s Fulfillment and Expansion Jesus never abolished the command; He intensified it by rooting theft in the heart (Mark 7:21-23). When Zacchaeus repented, he repaid fourfold (Luke 19:8-9), demonstrating that genuine faith produces restitution and generosity. Practical Checkpoints for Today • Pay promptly: contractors, employees, bills. • Guard company resources: supplies, data, confidential info. • Respect digital content: music, movies, software licenses. • Avoid manipulative sales tactics or hidden fees. • Return borrowed items in good condition and on time. • Keep accurate tax, mileage, and reimbursement records. • Model honesty before children; teach them to ask permission, not assume entitlement. A Community Marked by Respect When believers honor the eighth commandment, society glimpses God’s just order. Property is protected, generosity is unleashed, and trust replaces suspicion. “Aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands…so that you will not be dependent on anyone.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) Respecting others’ property is therefore not a mere social courtesy—it's a vibrant testimony that the living God reigns. |
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