In Exodus 20:15, we read, “Thou shalt not steal.”
Again, this is a fairly straightforward commandment, with not a lot to figure out. But let’s take a look at some of the ramifications of this commandment that might go a little deeper than the most obvious.
When we steal, we’re demonstrating a lack of integrity. A person who steals doesn’t care about their own trustworthiness or how others view them. Their desire for that object is greater than their own moral code. Stealing is a sign of selfishness, of a lack of consideration for the feelings and belongings of others, and of the low self-esteem of the thief.
Of course, we’ve all heard stories of those who steal because they have no food. While this is a tragic instance, it’s still stealing and it’s still wrong. Hopefully, those persons will be able to find a shelter, soup kitchen, or charitable organization that will assist them in getting the help they need. Perhaps restaurants and grocery stores could donate needed food items to the perpetrators as well as pointing them to law enforcement when they are caught.
However, the greater number of persons who steal aren’t necessarily on the brink of starvation. These are those who shoplift for the thrill, or who break into homes for electronics to then resell. Shoplifting may be thrilling, but it’s certainly not fun to spend time in jail. And no amount of expensive electronics can make up for hours spent staring at gray cement walls.
When we steal, we are demonstrating a feeling of superiority over our victims, a sense of entitlement to take whatever we want. We are not entitled to the things of this world – we are blessed with the things we need by our Heavenly Father who knows what we need. At times of financial loss, we might not feel blessed, but He can and will point us to agencies who can help us. He will send people to our very doorsteps to bring us what we need. If we seek to better our situations by stealing, we’re shutting off that stream of blessings. We’re essentially telling the Lord that we don’t want His help, that we’d rather commit sin than ask Him to help us.
There are a great many reasons why individuals choose to steal. I hope I’ve mentioned them all in this blog, as to cover all the bases. The main message is this—God has commanded us not to steal. Regardless of our reasons for doing it, it is against the commandments, and will be punished by the law and by God.
Related Blogs:
When Your Child’s Friend Steals
They Don’t Think It’s Stealing