When I was a kid, we never locked the door to our house when we left. We would go on vacation and not lock it. We would park the car downtown with the windows down. That was just 40 years ago. I remember what a shock it was when someone stole the money from my wallet in the locker room in high school. Now, we keep our doors and windows locked at all times, and keep our car locked, even to run into a store for a few minutes. Many of us live behind bars on our doors and windows. These days, thieves from around the world can wipe out our checking accounts in a matter of seconds. Thieves are trying to get to our money and possessions from all sides, twenty-four hours a day.
Imagine a world where no one takes anything that doesn't belong to him. All business dealings are completely honest. Imagine a world without locks, car-jackings, robberies or burglaries. A world where a handshake is as good as a signature. The truth is, all we can do is imagine such a world. It will never exist this side of heaven. But it could be reality if people would simply obey the eighth commandment: Exodus 20:15 (NIV):You shall not steal.
If people would obey all of the commandments, it would be heaven. And, in heaven, everyone will obey all of them. I guess that's why Jesus said to store up treasures there, where they are safe from thieves (Matthew 6:19-21). It is interesting that Jesus also said to be generous to others, giving more than they ask (Matthew 5:40-42). If we, as his church, would do a better job giving and helping others, there wouldn't be as much theft. If we did a good enough job, there might not be any.
Paul reminds us not to steal because of our witness in the community (Ephesians 4:28). He says we should work so we can help take care of those in need. There is no place for greed and selfishness in God's Kingdom. And in God's economy, there is no room for theft.
By the way, this is my 100th Instant Message column. I'm proud of that. You can see all of them at www.instantmessagelive.com.
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Craig Harris is an author and minister. Contact him at lcraigharris@gmail.com. To see more, go to www.instantmessagelive.com
Opinion
July 22, 2012
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