Most people in our society would object to burglary, armed
robbery, or other forms of professional thievery. But when it comes to less
violent forms of theft, how many “average citizens” are themselves guilty?Most people in our society would object to burglary, armed
robbery, or other forms of professional thievery. But when it comes to less
violent forms of theft, how many “average citizens” are themselves guilty?
Consider some common examples of stealing.
Most stores annually lose thousands or even millions of dollars worth of merchandise to shoplifters. The news media frequently reports looters stealing everything in sight when they believe they can get away with it. Are these thieves any less guilty simply because large numbers of people participate?
Again, it is a fact that business firms suffer some of their greatest losses to their own employees who carry off supplies, equipment, and merchandise. But then businessmen themselves in turn often steal from the public by deliberately overcharging, misrepresenting their product, or measuring out less product than the customer paid for. Are these people any more innocent than the robber who invades your house at night?
What about the supposedly “decent citizen” who cheats on his income taxes or tries to beat his debts? Are these not simply different forms of stealing? Remember that stealing is defined as taking, without permission, something that lawfully belongs to someone else.
What should we say to the thief? The Ten Commandments said: “Thou shalt not steal” (Exodus 20:15). In Romans 13:9, the New Testament shows that stealing is still wrong today since the thief does not “love his neighbor as himself.” And finally, 1 Corinthians 6:10 teaches that thieves will not inherit the kingdom of God!
Are you guilty of stealing?
Click here for more information about stealing.
(c) Copyright David E. Pratte, 2018; gospelway.com
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Scripture quotations are generally from the New King James Version (NKJV), copyright 1982, 1988 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. used by permission. All rights reserved.