Scripture to Read: Exodus 20:15
Today, we unpack commandment number eight from our Lord. God said, in Exodus 20:15, “You shall not steal.” When we think about stealing, we first consider our personal property, the things we have purchased with our hard-earned money. We want our stuff protected, and we don’t want anyone stealing from us. We are thankful that God has entrusted us with certain possessions and that there are laws protecting what we’ve been entrusted with. But we must never forget that those possessions are gifts from God (James 1:17). We must also be careful not to hold too tightly to the things of this world that God has entrusted to us, for those things are temporary at best. Of course, stealing also includes us not robbing God of what is due to Him for His kingdom and glory. God tells us in Malachi 3:8–10, “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You? ’In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you! 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.” We must also use the gifts and talents God’s given us to serve Him and His church. God’s entrusted us with much, and we must provide to support the ministries God’s given to His church.
Challenge & Application
· How are you giving back to the Lord what He’s so richly blessed you with (time, gifts, talents, finances, possessions)?
· What areas have you been holding onto that God has shown you that you need to surrender to Him?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!