Romans -(13:9) “Thou shalt not steal.”
Author: Evangelist Daniel Sushanth
The Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, which were intended to guide the behaviour of the Israelites. It underscores that these principles continue to hold significance even today, evident in our laws and regulations.
The prohibition against stealing covers more than physical possessions due to the outgrowth of digitalization. It mentions the prevalence of theft involving valuable and confidential information, such as hacking bank accounts and engaging in cybercrimes. The limitless nature of human greed and smartness in finding ways to steal.
Efforts to enforce stricter rules and penalties haven’t reduced crime rates globally. Many cases remain unsolved, and numerous criminals remain free. Personal experiences and teachings can shape our understanding and guide us towards ethical behaviour. For example, when I was a child, I unknowingly took a toy car from my friend house, but my mother promptly corrected me and stressed the significance of returning what isn’t mine. This incident taught me the wrongfulness of stealing.
The ‘motivation behind stealing, attributing it to a disregard for God’s authority and a lack of understanding regarding the repercussions of one’s actions. Even if individuals manage to evade earthly punishment, they cannot escape God’s knowledge and judgment, where all actions will be accounted for.
Strive to set an example, honour God’s commandments, resist temptations, elevate standards, be obedient to God’s calling, avoid unlawful means for personal gain, pursue a peaceful existence, obey His instructions.
##Agape Devotions##
Exploring Faith – Illustration
Thomas, respected carpenter, known for living by Jesus' teachings, agreed to build a house for a wealthy merchant. Faced challenges, increased costs, delayed project. Thomas remained committed to honesty, refused to compromise on quality or cut corners.
Thomas completed the house and presented the merchant with an itemized account of expenses. The merchant noticed the additional costs were not included. Thomas explained that he believed in honesty and fairness and didn't want to burden the merchant. The merchant offered to pay the extras, but Thomas declined, satisfied with his honest work.
Thomas's honesty and principled approach garnered him a strong reputation in the region, attracting people in need of his services who trusted his character. His reputation as an honest Christian man inspired others in the village, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity in the Christian faith. Living by these values can have a significant positive influence on others and counteract the prevalence of deceit and dishonesty in the world.
Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we seek Your guidance and wisdom. We confess our temptations and transgressions related to stealing. Please forgive us and grant us strength to resist theft in all its forms. Help us respect and protect the possessions of others, physical and digital. Make us aware of the consequences and deter us from greed and deceit. We pray for those who steal, that they may repent and be restored. Empower us to be beacons of integrity and inspire others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Agape Information Desk – Data breaches are increasing, with over 1,000 reported in the first quarter of 2023. These breaches expose sensitive personal information. Phishing attacks are also becoming more advanced, using deceptive emails or texts from reputable sources to trick people into divulging personal information. It is important to stay updated on cybersecurity trends and implement security measures to protect against these evolving threats.
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