Stealing

"You shall not steal." -Exodus 20.15

Respect for God, His name and His day, respect for parents, respect for life, and respect for marriage. All of these revolve around intangible things, things that have eternal value. But commandment eight seems to look at material things. God commands His people not to steal. Don't take what doesn't belong to you. Why is this important if material things don't matter in light of eternity?

I think commandment eight is talking about more than just material stuff, it's talking about civilization. One of the only things I remember from my high school government class is something my teacher called the two laws that make civilization possible. The second one is "Don't encroach on anyone else's rights or property." If people steal there is chaos. People become so focused on protecting their stuff that it consumes their lives.

Stealing encourages hoarding and laziness. Stealing is just looking out for yourself. And if you can just get what you need by taking it from someone else, why work for anything. And stealing brings chaos. There is constant worry, constant panic, you can't have civilization under those conditions. And stealing doesn't just involve money or materials, you can steal time. You can skip out of work early, you can blow of responsibilities at home and with your family.

Men, do you steal? Do you take what isn't yours or what you haven't earned? Do you rob your family or your time and attention? Are you bringing chaos into the lives of those around you?

Let us work hard, and honestly. Let us bring order and make civilization possible. Do not steal.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor