Stealing is a problem everywhere. It is an activity that can be found anywhere in the world. Stealing is so rampant in society that one may ask if it is a sin in the Bible.
In this post, we will further talk about stealing as a sin and how it affects society.
The Eight Commandment
A thief or robber is a person who steals. A thief is someone who takes something that belongs to someone else without the owner’s permission.
Stealing is frequently mentioned in the Bible. The eighth commandment of the Lord stays that “you shall not steal.”
Many people try to dismiss the Ten Commandments by claiming that we do not live under Mosaic Law. While Christians are not subject to the Mosaic Law, we are subject to Christ’s law.
The Lord forbids us from stealing anything from anyone. God tells us not to steal throughout the Old and New Testaments. Stealing is, therefore, consistently wrong, immoral, and unethical.
We, as Christians, must not rationalize the fact that we must still obey God’s moral law. We are bound by the moral law, which prohibits stealing. Living as if one is not obligated to follow God’s ethical standards is highly damaging to one’s walk with Christ.
The apostle Paul warned the church that if robbers did not repent, God would deprive them of the pleasure of robbery by denying them the kingdom forever (1 Corinthians 6:9–10). Unless they repent, thieves will soon face eternal destruction.
Robbery deprives us of genuine and eternal joy (Jeremiah 2:26). Although the Bible forbids stealing, anyone in love with the world will be tempted to do so. Sinners are fond of forbidden fruit.
Stealing is Everywhere
Theft has become so common that we no longer notice minor details. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul lists stealing along with homosexuality, sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, greed, getting drunk, slandering others, and swindling others.
What motivates people to steal? Some people steal because they believe it is necessary for them to survive. Perhaps they don’t have any money and are unsure how to provide for their family, so they steal from someone. They believe their need justifies their wrongdoing, but stealing is never acceptable.
Other people steal because of greed or covetousness. They want to gain more than what they already have, and in their desire to get more, they no longer care for morals to obtain what they want. Greed is a heinous sin. It causes people to do various evil things, including stealing (Colossians 3:5).
Stealing cannot be only about money or material things. When you murder someone, you steal their life; when you commit adultery, you steal someone’s spouse; when you cheat on a test, you steal information from someone else.
Stealing is a great sin that should not be dismissed or ignored. It only harms God and causes a schism between us. Living a thieving life will not bring God glory or make Him happy. If you have a history of stealing, you can still change your ways today.
What God Says About Stealing
Stealing contradicts God’s character, whose image we bear. Our God is infinitely wealthy, not because he robbed others to enrich himself.
As God’s image-bearers, we must work hard and honestly and reflect on our Creator by being generous with our earnings.
When we steal out of laziness and selfishness, we miss out on the opportunity to share in God’s righteous character and reflect him to the world.
Stealing does not bring glory to God. Working hard will provide us with enough money for our needs and something to share with those in need (Ephesians 4:28).
The devil is described in John 10:10 as a thief who emerges to steal, kill, and destroy. Theft is associated with Satan and his sinful nature. We follow in the devil’s footsteps when we commit stealing.
The first thief was Satan, who tried to steal God’s throne. By stealing God’s people and taking them into the kingdom of darkness, the serpent became the ruler of this world. We must not follow in the serpent’s footsteps because God has stripped him of his power and delivered us in Christ.
Bottom Line
Stealing is and always will be a sin. The sinful flesh desires that we stay involved in its destructive habits and corruption. However, if we walk in the Spirit, He can help us turn away from our past mistakes and walk in obedience to the Lord.
It is difficult to refrain from sin, but God can help us if we ask. God desires to guide us and is always willing to hear our prayers.
