The Eighth Commandment

The Eighth Commandment “You shall not steal.” Exodus 20:15 According to God’s word and His law, there are only right ways by which you can come into possession of anything. The first is by a free gift—or an inheritance—from another person, or from God Himself. The second is by honest labor, which earns something as a legitimate return. Any other way is theft—which is the taking from another that which does not belong to him. We usually think of stealing, where we are taking something that has a price associated with it, and where we do not pay for it. Shoplifting, breaking into a business establishment, or a home and taking someone’s property are prime examples of this kind of theft. God however defines theft also as much more than the mere taking of something we did not pay for. We can steal by not giving a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay. We can steal by false advertising, by cheating on exams at school, using false weights and measures, or even a poor quality of workmanship. God also warns us of stealing from Him, by not giving Him our tithes and offerings. In Malachi 3:8-9 He says “But you ask, how do we rob you? In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me.” God also tells us that we must stop taking from others, as in Ephesians it states, ”He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need." This is one commandment, that everyone must be aware of at all times, as it is common practice for so many to not think twice about playing computer games on company time, or leaving early from work, taking extra time at lunch. In God's eyes this is still theft. God gave us this command for a reason, and we must truly learn to live by those words, and fulfill the spirit of this important commandment. Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Seven​ April 8