Daily Devotional Podcasts

76_You shall not steal Ex 20:15 Thou shalt not steal A young boy stumbled upon a farmer’s wallet lying on the dusty road. The wallet was stuffed with more money than he had ever seen in his life. The boy’s family was poor, But instead of keeping the money, he walked miles to return the wallet to the farmer. The farmer, overwhelmed with gratitude, not only rewarded him with some of the money, but offered him a steady job on the farm. That boy’s honesty opened a door to blessings he could never have anticipated. This simple story reminds us of the commandment, “You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15). It emphasizes that integrity of life brings far greater rewards than the short-lived gains of dishonesty. This commandment tests the truth of our faith in God. Many people do not steal because they fear being caught or punished. Others are conscious of societal pressure, or fear to tarnish their reputation. But God’s commandment goes far beyond such superficial obedience. It challenges us to examine how we live in every area of life. Stealing may take many forms: cheating, underpaying workers, evading taxes, gambling with what is not ours to lose or win, pilfering items from the workplace, borrowing without making an honest attempt to return goods, or even keeping something we find when the rightful owner could be located. Each of these actions reveals a heart that seeks unjust gain, taking what has not been given or earned. At its core, this commandment demands that we respect the rights of others and trust God to provide for our needs through honest means. But God does not merely command us to avoid stealing; He calls us to replace dishonesty with integrity and generosity. In Ephesians 4:28, Paul writes, “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” Honest work reflects our obedience to God, our acknowledgment of all he has given us to earn our way, and the desire to provide for those who are helpless. By doing so, we confess that all good things come from him, and are for us to enjoy along with those whom he sends into our lives. Through work, we not only provide for ourselves and our families but also position ourselves to be a blessing to others. Paul’s exhortation to slaves in Ephesians 6:5-8 emphasizes sincerity and diligence at our work, for it is Christ who is our Master. When we fail to give our best efforts or waste time at our workplace, we are essentially stealing from our employers. True integrity means working faithfully, though no one may be watching, because it is God whom we serve, and it is he who sees and rewards our labor. Repentance in this area involves restitution. Zacchaeus, the tax collector, is a bright example. After welcoming the Lord to his home and listening to him, he declared, “Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything,