Mike asks;
8. Do not steal. OK, steal what? Items? Time? a kiss? plagiarism? cheating on a test (stealing an answer). Where is the line drawn on this one?
8. Do not steal. OK, steal what? Items? Time? a kiss? plagiarism? cheating on a test (stealing an answer). Where is the line drawn on this one?
Scripture says;
Exodus 20:15 NKJV You shall not steal.
Stealing / theft is the unlawful acquiring of another's goods or assets, monetary value is of no consequence unto God. Theft disturbs the right to ownership of property. The legal acquisition and protection of personal property is a fundamental principle for societal stability. Commandments five to nine all deal with issues of community, respect and personal standing (position). While God doesn't want us to steal "stuff", the urge and quest to obtain "stuff" is another problem altogether.
As usual, my Brother Mike is more in tune with God's meaning than most. "Steal what" he says and then lists several things - which God would say to Mike; You are correct! This commandment forbids us to rob ourselves. How? By sinful (over) spending, or of the excessive need of comfort at my neighbors expense. Not only robbing others by invading our neighbor's rights, taking of their goods, or house, or land, forcibly or clandestinely, but also over - reaching in bargains, not restoring what is borrowed or found, with - holding just debts, rents or wages; and, which is worst of all, to rob the public of taxes. JUST GREAT ERNIE - I was fine until you mentioned taxes! You are such a fun-sucker.
God's view of theft is cut and dry. I am going to add just a few scriptures from the book of 1 Corinthians. I preface it by saying that he (Paul) is writing to believers!? (Mike, you might find this refreshing Brother)
1Corinthians 6:5-6 NLT
(5) I am saying this to shame you. Isn't there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? (he is talking about law suites)
(6) But instead, one believer sues another—right in front of unbelievers! (ouch, that smarts!)
(8) Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers. (DOUBLE WHAMMY)
(9) Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality,
(10) or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.
Paul just got through verbally spanking these ignorant, worldly, finger-pointing, backstabbing believers! Uh, wait a minute, I think he was talking about me...
Stealing / theft is the unlawful acquiring of another's goods or assets, monetary value is of no consequence unto God. Theft disturbs the right to ownership of property. The legal acquisition and protection of personal property is a fundamental principle for societal stability. Commandments five to nine all deal with issues of community, respect and personal standing (position). While God doesn't want us to steal "stuff", the urge and quest to obtain "stuff" is another problem altogether.
As usual, my Brother Mike is more in tune with God's meaning than most. "Steal what" he says and then lists several things - which God would say to Mike; You are correct! This commandment forbids us to rob ourselves. How? By sinful (over) spending, or of the excessive need of comfort at my neighbors expense. Not only robbing others by invading our neighbor's rights, taking of their goods, or house, or land, forcibly or clandestinely, but also over - reaching in bargains, not restoring what is borrowed or found, with - holding just debts, rents or wages; and, which is worst of all, to rob the public of taxes. JUST GREAT ERNIE - I was fine until you mentioned taxes! You are such a fun-sucker.
God's view of theft is cut and dry. I am going to add just a few scriptures from the book of 1 Corinthians. I preface it by saying that he (Paul) is writing to believers!? (Mike, you might find this refreshing Brother)
1Corinthians 6:5-6 NLT
(5) I am saying this to shame you. Isn't there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? (he is talking about law suites)
(6) But instead, one believer sues another—right in front of unbelievers! (ouch, that smarts!)
(8) Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers. (DOUBLE WHAMMY)
(9) Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality,
(10) or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.
Paul just got through verbally spanking these ignorant, worldly, finger-pointing, backstabbing believers! Uh, wait a minute, I think he was talking about me...
But he is not done;
1Corinthians 6:11 NLT Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Thank God for His Grace towards me. Those verses were to bring correction to the believer and HOPE to the unbeliever not condemnation!
Mike, I am truly sorry for those of us (myself included) that have misused the precious Grace God has given us towards people who don't believe - SHAME ON ME! However, God's Grace still Saves and is great. I hope you receive it one day Brother.
GRACE is; God's Riches at Christ's Expense!
Only two more.
Blessings
ernie
Thank God for His Grace towards me. Those verses were to bring correction to the believer and HOPE to the unbeliever not condemnation!
Mike, I am truly sorry for those of us (myself included) that have misused the precious Grace God has given us towards people who don't believe - SHAME ON ME! However, God's Grace still Saves and is great. I hope you receive it one day Brother.
GRACE is; God's Riches at Christ's Expense!
Only two more.
Blessings
ernie
Wayne Smith wrote; I love your commentaries Ern. I read every one. Keep them coming!!!
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