“The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.” -Confucius

“You shall not steal. Exodus 20:15 

The dreaded happened. A thief broke in. Very clever, too, while I was on holiday. A busy schedule kept me from checking credit card charges for a few days and on my return to the airport, I reviewed emails. To my surprise, the eighth commandment was being broken in grand fashion. 

 The scavenger rascal started slowly, buying a snack at a fast food establishment. Then, picking up the pace, they began to rack up the gastronomic delight charges to finer and better places. I suppose the poacher needed a new place to bring the food, so they rented an apartment at my expense. A few other charges were made to insurance companies and clothing stores. The call to my bank quickly halted the stealer without harming my financial status. It was an adventurous ride to the airport! 

I felt as if I had been pummeled and wrestled to the ground in this experience, leaving me disheveled and quite out of sorts. When your gold, personal information, or reputation has been stolen from your “pocket” at the hands of a robber, a harm goes deep to the robbed and the robber.  

At its core, every act of theft devalues another person. It says, “What I want is more important than your well-being, your peace, or your rights.” That is why the Eighth Commandment is not just about protecting property—it’s about protecting people. There is a loss of dignity and trust.

When something is stolen it may take years to rebuild and the damage often spreads beyond the original victim by hurting families and communities. Stuff is replaceable; however, peace and dignity often take time. Theft dishonors the image of God. Stealing is destructive because it distorts the relational and spiritual dimensions of the image of God in us; we act contrary to the One we are meant to reflect. 

Pray: 

God Almighty, We pray for honest hearts. Help us to walk in integrity, even when no one is watching. Keep us from the temptation to take what is not ours—whether it be time, credit, trust, or possessions. Fill us with the courage to do what is right, even when it costs us. In a world where dishonesty is often praised and theft comes in many forms, we turn to You for guidance and strength. Amen