“But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.”
a thief
No Christian is exempt from the possibility of becoming a thief. Those that think that they are not within the pale of gross sin need to read 1 Corinthians 10:12:
“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
PRINCIPLE:
The potential for thievery is in each of us.
APPLICATION:
The potential for stealing resides within each of us. Satan will test us on this by little things. Someone gives you too much money in return. You rationalize, “Well, it is their mistake. They should be more competent.” Suppose we turn the situation around, would you want them to return the money? “Oh, sure, it’s my money.”
God wants us to respect the property of others. Some Christians might rationalize that “Since someone stole my goods, I can steal theirs.” When we talk about a Christian who steals, it is like talking about an “honest thief.”
The Christian businessman that does not operate with cutthroat methods may cost him business. If a Christian operates on principle, it could cost him his customers. Those who work for a business might pay with not getting a promotion.
The Lord Jesus spoils us for the stealing business. Our children can tell if we cut corners. They know if we cheat. Where do they learn to cheat on exams? Where do they learn to do shady things? Most learn it at home.
Eph 4:28, “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.”
Some of us have never learned to respect the property of others.
