STEALING IN THE NAME OF THE LORD

Before and during covid, a lot of stealing took place. Sadly, it has not gotten much better. The coronavirus pandemic has led to a lot of negative effects in the world today.

 
The number of people struggling to survive has also gone up. This is because of several reasons.  Such as being laid off from jobs, the high cost of food, travel by land, air, and sea, and out-of-control rants. 

Today, people are living from paycheck to paycheck, one day at a time. This and other reasons have resorted to stealing for survival or out-of-control wants. What a shame. 

These are desperate times, and when people are desperate, they will often go to extreme measures. And right now, people are not desperate for the latest iPhones, cars, or high-end electronics. They are desperate for basic necessities. And while it is a lot more difficult to keep a roof over their head, many are stealing food. In talking to a few people, they are reporting that there were times when they did not have adequate food in the past week. They say people are stealing because they are hungry and they have nowhere else to turn.

Yet, to those who are stealing anything from another person, know that you have not been given the right to break the law of the land. In fact, God is not pleased with your behavior.  
The Bible encourages all to not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another. Leviticus 19:11.

It also says, "He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life..." Proverbs 29:24.

Because "stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” People continue to steal and live a life outside of the will of God, and the laws of the land, because to them it is sweet. 
But, "if a wicked man restores a pledge, pays back what he has taken by robbery, walks by the statutes which ensure life without committing iniquity, he shall surely live; he shall not die." Ezekiel 33:15.

Lastly, the promise to All Who Keep God's Law of Love is, "Thou shalt not steal." Exodus 20:15.

This applies to both public and private sins. The eighth commandment condemns man-stealing, and slave-dealing and forbids wars of conquest. It condemns theft and robbery.
 
It demands strict integrity in the minutest details of the affairs of life. It forbids overreaching in trade and requires the payment of just debts or wages. It declares that every attempt to advantage one's self by the ignorance, weakness, or misfortune of another is registered as fraud in the books of heaven. 

The eighth commandment is to barricade the soul, and hedge man in, so that he shall make no injurious encroachment—which his self-love and desire for gain would make on his neighbor's rights. It forbids every species of dishonesty, injustice, or fraud, however prevalent, however, palliated by plausible pretenses.

On the other hand, what about those who take advantage of the heart and emotions of another? In short, to those who trifle with the hearts of another is a crime of no small magnitude in the sight of a holy God.
 
“Thou shalt not steal” was written by the finger of God upon the tables of stone, yet how much underhand stealing of affections is practiced and excused. A deceptive courtship is maintained, and private communications are kept up, until the affections of one who is inexperienced and knows not whereunto these things may grow, are in a measure withdrawn from her parents and placed upon him who shows by the very course he pursues that he is unworthy of her love. The Bible condemns every species of dishonesty." Fundamentals of Christian Education, 102.

"As we deal with our fellow men in petty dishonesty or in more daring fraud, so will we deal with God. Men who persist in a course of dishonesty will carry out their principles until they cheat their own souls and lose heaven and eternal life."

So long as heaven and earth continue, the holy principles of God's law will continue. It will be a source of blessing to those who obey, sending forth streams to refresh the earth. But to those who disobey its requirements, darkness, curses, and eternal death will follow. May the peace of God go with you. Blessings, Blessings, Blessings. 

If you have been blessed through this devotion, need assistance, or Bible studies, let us know. 
GARDEN MINISTRY is produced by Chaplain Kevin J.T Santucci