Dear Faith Family,
The stunning simplicity of the Ten Words in Exodus 20 is magnified by how remarkably exhaustive these foundational words are. As we've seen over the summer, and as Leviticus details, an entire civilization, a community's every day customs and culture in life together and with God, can be built upon these ten simple words. The simplest of which might just be the Eighth Word:
You shall not steal.
(Exodus 20:15)
From early in life we learn that taking what is not ours is wrong. Whether it be our playmates toys or candy from the store, by two-years of age most every human knows that stealing is an action to avoid, or to hide! While the Eighth Word may be the earliest espoused command, it may also be the most frequently transgressed.
As we said on Sunday, the word used for "steal" allows us to expand the prohibition from no unlawfully appropriation of someone else’s property, to do no action to take advantage of another.
The truth is, we can take advantage of others in as nearly as varied ways as we can run off with their possessions. Whether through mindless consumption that takes advantage of unjust labor costs, or a demanding dependence on the kindness of others, idle and half-hearted labor, or even inconsiderate production; taking advantage of others is the failure to take responsibility for ourselves, a failure in stewardship.
A steward recognizes both what they have and what others have belong to someone else. For a steward, there is true and only owner of possessions, prosperity, and persons, who has entrusted the stewards to use what they've been given in ways that honor the owners character and intentions. And the owner to which we are each of us stewards, as Paul reminds us, intends for us to take responsibility for what we have been entrusted by doing good work well with a generous spirit.
Let the thief no longer steal,
but rather let him labor,
doing good work with his own hands,
so that he may have something to share
with anyone in need.
(Ephesians 4:28)
While you might not be directly taking what is not yours, I'd be willing to wager that like me, you are taking advantage of others, whether our "stealing" is self-evident or (as thieving tends to be) a self-deception. So, today, lets take a few moments to allow the Spirit to examen our hearts in the ways we interact with our daily responsibilities and employment, our possessions and persons, and our community.
Pray: "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Examine me, and know my disquieting thoughts. See if there is any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way ancient and everlasting." (Ps. 139:23-24)
Then listen as the Spirit reveals:
The ways am I taking, rather than taking responsibility &
What I need to do to give up “thieving."
May our souls know the grace and freedom of a thief who recognizes in Jesus the means of living differently and forever: "Today with [Him] in Paradise" (Luke 23:43)
Love you, faith family! God bless.