Thursday 7 Nov 2019

November 7: Exodus 20:15

Key Verse: Exodus 20:15
You shall not steal.

Devotion:
Our first reaction to this is probably “I don’t steal!” But I would like you to think of a few things which are covered even though we do not think about it in this way… The obvious coverage is for people taking by force that which does not belong to them, or to take things from others through cheating or fraud. This covers most things we think about… But what about those we don’t often think of: hiding something from someone so that can no longer access it, disposing of something which does not belong to you just because it looks like it has not been used for a while, taking away personal freedom without consent.

What about the things in Western society which we take for granted: unjust contracts, unjust taxes, withholding payments, overcharging people… these may well be part of our society and the way we live, but it does not make them right – just because things happen does not mean we should live with it or live by those rules. When governments and leaders take things unlawfully or prevent others from getting what is rightfully theirs, the whole country is put on the defensive and many people around the world do not have the power or right to fight back against this sort of corruption.

We can make a difference by showing people what is right and leading by example. How can a child grow up to know right from wrong unless it is taught the truth? If we bury the truth and live a lie, we are not just being false, but we are stealing from others as well. But what about people taking stuff because they are starving, you may ask… It is still stealing – maybe we should not allow people to become so desperate that they feel the need to steal!

Don’t fall into the trap of taking something because you think others expect it. Don’t bend the rules to try and justify why you should be allowed to remove something which does not belong to you. We need to try and live up to God’s expectations and follow Christ’s example by loving those around us and being honest in all things we do.

Points to Ponder:
Do you like bending the rules?

What is it like when others bend rules against you?