What steps can we take to avoid temptation to steal in various forms? Foundational Command “You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15) This simple sentence carries the full weight of God’s authority. Because Scripture is accurate and literal, we treat this command as binding in every setting—home, work, school, church, online, and marketplace. Recognizing the Many Faces of Theft • Material theft—taking money, merchandise, tools, or property that is not ours. • Time theft—being paid for hours we do not actually work (Proverbs 11:1). • Intellectual theft—plagiarizing ideas, music, software, or test answers (Proverbs 12:22). • Financial fraud—falsifying taxes, insurance claims, or expense reports (Romans 13:7). • Withholding wages—employers cheating employees (James 5:4). • Robbing God—neglecting to give tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:8-10). Guarding the Heart • Remember God sees everything. “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the wicked and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3) • Cultivate contentment. “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8) • Fear the Lord more than people. “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life.” (Proverbs 14:27) • Treasure integrity. “Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.” (Proverbs 16:8) Practical Boundaries in Daily Life Work • Track hours honestly; avoid personal tasks on company time. • Use office supplies and equipment only for sanctioned purposes. • Report found errors in your favor—paychecks, invoices, or inventory. School • Cite sources. • Study rather than cheat; ask for help instead of copying assignments. Home • Keep family finances transparent; agree on budgets and spending. • Teach children early that “borrowing without asking” is still theft. Online • Purchase or stream media legally. • Verify that free resources are genuinely in the public domain. • Secure passwords; do not use others’ accounts without permission. Marketplace • Pay fair prices; don’t switch tags, exploit glitches, or abuse return policies. • Tip appropriately; compensate contractors promptly. Cultivating a Generous Spirit • Give regularly. “Each one should give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Look for needs. Share food, time, skills, and encouragement. • Practice hospitality. Stealing tightens the fist; generosity opens the hand. Relying on God’s Provision and Power • Trust His supply. “My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) • Seek escape routes. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man… He will also provide an escape.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) • Walk in newness. “Let him who steals steal no longer; rather, let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he may have something to share with those in need.” (Ephesians 4:28) Scripture to Memorize and Meditate On Exodus 20:15 “You shall not steal.” Luke 16:10 “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Live these truths consistently, and the lure to steal loses its grip. |
    |