15 “You shall not steal.
Stealing is simply taking what is not yours. It starts in childhood and for some becomes a way of life. Capitalism in its extreme is just as much stealing as communism. Both end up taking what belongs to someone and giving it to someone else. When profit becomes the most important goal, then we end up selling goods and services for more than they are worth, thus stealing. We would never say this. We would say that we are just getting the price the market will pay. But if we get more than what is fair, then in essence we are stealing. I watched the movie Flywheel recently. It was produced by the same people who did Fireproof. Part of the movie’s plot has do deal with this very commandment. I won’t spoil the plot for you if you haven’t seen it yet, but it is worth watching. Everything has a value in God’s eyes. We should strive to see that value and match that value. When we take something that doesn’t belong to us, large or small, we are stealing. When we steal we sear our consciences against future promptings of the Holy Spirit. Each time we steal it becomes easier to ignore God’s voice. When we steal we are taking value away from someone else. We are elevating our importance above their importance. But we are to be serving one another in humility, considering them better than ourselves. Stealing also means that you do not trust the Lord to provide for your needs. When visiting parts of Europe you will encounter the Gypsies. They are a distinct people group who historically have lived by breaking this commandment. In Italy it is just accepted that they will steal. You really can’t prosecute them when they do steal. You can’t stop them or you get in trouble. This sounds like politicians in this country, doesn’t it!
The Arnold Journey 