“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.” (Ephesians 4:28)
Paul continues to add detail to his portrait of an un-normal Jesus-follower. We should be known in our schools and neighborhoods and jobs as people who just don’t steal. Period. Even when times are rough.
Instead, we Christians should build reputations as people ready and willing to work to meet our own needs. Buried in that big idea is a smaller one: We should also be ready to learn to live on whatever money our work brings in.
Finally, in planning how much to spend on ourselves out of the cash our work generates, we should plan to leave some unspent to give away to people who don’t have enough. Then they’ll be less likely to steal, also.
Think: It seems like a no-brainer that Christians shouldn’t steal. Does it seem as obvious that we should also be hard working? Which is harder for you: not stealing, working hard, or sharing with others?
Pray: Ask God to convict you deeply if you are ever tempted to steal. If you’ve already been stealing, ask Him for courage to make it right and turn around.
Do: If you have a group of Christian friends, see if this question will make them argue: Is downloading music or movies or software for free when it is intended to be sold elsewhere stealing? Should Christians ever do so?