Isaiah - Verse By Verse

Walking through Ephesians - Day 94

versebyverse | February 17, 2008 18:38

Thought:  To me, stealing is a much more serious crime than we make it out to be today.

Question:  Do I Steal?

Scripture:  Ephesians 4:28 (NIV):  "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need."

Tracing the theme of unity among believers, we have seen three things that threaten that unity:  1) lying 2) anger not resolved, and, 3) giving Satan ground.  Now we add a fourth, stealing.  These are all sins that hurt others.  Stealing obviously hurts another, because in order to acquire what you want, you must hurt someone else by stripping him of his possession.  That is why the command here is firm to stop!  "Steal no longer"!  Stop hurting another immediately!  Then, after the hurt is eliminated, begin a program of activity that will provide that one who stole with another way to acquire what he wants.  What is that other way?  Work; good, honest, hard work.  Idle hands are the devil's playground, as we have heard someone say.  Very true.  But notice something:  Paul says the former thief who is now working should work to help needy people.  This will illustrate to him what real needs are vs. his own wants.  It will also remove the focus from self and put it on others.  This is where the Christian focus should always be:  on others.  Hands that once injured the others are now "doing something useful", being productive toward others' needs.  Taking from them is replaced with giving to them.  This is the way of Christ.

Prayer:  Great God Who knows all things, I bow and ask that You would help me not to hurt others by stealing:  things, time, money, power, or honor due.  Amen. 

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