[Most articles can be downloaded; if you see no download form, write to us.]
Commandment #7: You shall not steal.
Have I stolen any material goods? Did I realize my sin but fail to make restitution?
When have I stolen time away from God by my spiritual laziness?
When did I waste time at work, in school or at home?
Am I stingy? For example, have I stolen cookies from my kids, perhaps hiding my favorite “stash” because I don’t want to share them?
Have I been stingy in my support of the Church and other worthy causes? Scripture tells us to give God our tithes (ten percent of our income) and offerings. Have I been fearful that if I give away that much, I won’t have enough money to meet my needs and satisfy my desires? This means I’m not truly trusting God, I’m not obeying His Word, and I’m not acknowledging that everything I have comes from Him.
Do I think that everything I own is only for my benefit, and do I assume that God did not give it to me for the good of others?
What have I wasted money on while the Church, my neighbor or the destitute suffered from unmet needs?
Have I stolen pens from work or tax money from the IRS? Have I made personal toll calls from work without paying for them?
Have I borrowed something that I never returned? Or did I return it in damaged condition without offering to fix or replace it?
Am I an employer who pays unjust wages? Am I a business person who forces up prices to take advantage of the buyer?
Have I cheated on or broken a morally just contract or agreement? This includes paying my debts on time and fulfilling obligations.
Have I participated in the theft of someone’s property, or knowingly benefited from it, and have not yet made restitution in proportion to my responsibility and share of what was stolen?
Did I ever gamble excessively, through a lottery or other game, using money that should have been spent on needed items or given away as a charitable donation?
Next • 8th Commandment
© 2000 by Terry A. Modica
A printable version is available at the end.
Land here by accident? Go to start >>
See more WordBytes on Spiritual Growth >>
See all our WordBytes at Wordbytes.org >>
Find more faith-builders by visiting the Good News Ministries home page>>
Also see Terry Modica’s books >>
