Here is my Christmas present to you. About 3 or 4 years ago the Lord showed most of us to stop listening to the news because it was no longer trustworthy. Nothing has changed since then. The same people use it for their agendas. So we shouldn’t start listening to it now. I have friends heading towards the mountains figuring that the end is right around the corner, based on the news, in which we no longer have confidence. This thought came to me from the Lord I think. 2024 will be our best year ever if we persist, full steam ahead in doing what we’re always doing, in faith, and progressing in our daily growth into the image of Christ. Don’t quit! Instead, progress!! 2024 will be better than your wildest dreams. OH, and turn off the TV!
Part 8 of the 10 commandments, thou shalt not steal.
Exodus 20:15 Thou shalt not steal
Stealing is such a broad term. Technically, stealing means to take property without permission. Any silver tongued devil can completely confuse an innocent person and twist this truth. ‘I’m not stealing this car’, they’ll say, ‘I’m just borrowing it for a little while’. Satan is the original silver tongued devil, and the best. You might say to yourself, ‘I’ll just borrow this for a little while, and replace it later’. You’re stealing, and obeying the silver tongued devil. And, you’ll never return it either.
People steal all the time. Picking up a 20 dollar bill on the sidewalk that isn’t yours, is stealing. It’s not yours. They cheat on their taxes. Don’t pay back loans. They fudge their travel accounts. They pad their business expenses. They use company credit cards for personal stuff. Even well meaning pastors steal each other’s congregations and sermons. Students steal other people’s words (plagiarism). Salesmen steal when they lie to a customer. Spouses steal other spouses. Companies steal ideas.
Stealing is always easier than working, but the results aren’t worth it. There is 0 personal reward for stealing. There is no long term satisfaction with something stolen either. In the army, after a long battle or a disaster, even the water stunk of death. Same with something stolen, after a sweet victory of stealing it, it becomes repugnant.
Proverbs 9:17 “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is tasty!” But they do not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
There’s a point where the definition of stealing, and repenting of stealing, gets ridiculous. For example, veterans, how many Skilcraft pens from the military do we still have in our homes. (The best pen in the world BTW). After reading the 8th commandment, you may feel convicted for all your stolen pens from the Army. Will you now try to return every Skilcraft pen in your possession back to your old army post? Do you know how ridiculous you would look? Stop stealing them if you are still in the service, but let’s leave it at that. However, going back to a restaurant and returning the pen you unintentionally stole from the poor waitress last night (with a sincere apology and another nice tip) would be a great testimony that you truly believe in God. That you truly have repented from your sin.
I always generously tip, much to Winnie’s chagrin. I am a happy giver because Jesus set me free from sin, and eternal condemnation. Through Him, love has been shed abroad in my heart. Jesus made me God’s real son as well, not some step son. Not a grand son, but a true son of the God of Israel, the great I AM. How can I NOT be a joyous giver?
I have hit the jackpot the moment I believed unto salvation. I tip well, out of joy, and because I don’t want to short change anyone. Still people make huge mistakes, especially in the markets. Once, a guy gave me 200 cords instead of 20 cords (the bills are identical). When I noticed that, I drove back to the market. Fought the crowds. And found the poor soul who lost almost a day’s wage in an innocent mistake. Why? For a thank you? Nope, Nicas by culture, don’t say thank you. To make a friend? Nope, I already have friends. Why do I do it then? I do it for my testimony and if I kept the 180 cords extra, I would be stealing. I would rather use this as an excuse to go back and to share the love of Christ, which is a burning light within me. It exasperates Winnie, but she has learned to just suck it up. The 180 extra cords is what I call ‘fool’s profit’. I don’t want it. I live for excuses to shine Jesus’ bright light in me to others.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
The only reason I am here is to win souls for Jesus. My only boss is God. We are here to save souls not to save money. I know how to save money. The best way would be to stay in the states, not talk to anyone and only eat bologna sandwiches. I am NOT interested in saving money. My life’s desire is only to serve Jesus and to win souls. I only want people to get saved and go to heaven. Takes a lot of money and time to do that. Shaves years off of your life probably, but completely worth it!
Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
How do you not steal? By giving instead. All the 10 commandments can be obeyed by one word, Love. If you love God and others, you will want them to be blessed. You will want to give them stuff, not make their lives miserable by taking the little they have. You will want to show off for God, not disappoint Him. The first step in not stealing, like adultery or any other sin, is to guard your heart. Don’t lust for it. Don’t covet (another sin breaking the 10 commandments). If you plan on winning everyone you know to Christ, you won’t want their stuff. You’ll want them to be blessed by you, not cursing you.
2 Cor 9:7 As every man purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly or out of compulsion; for God loveth the cheerful giver.