Romans 13:9 states, “Thou shalt not steal.”

Author: Evangelist Daniel Sushanth

One of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. These commandments were meant to guide and governed the behaviour of the Israelites, and their significance remains relevant today. Even in modern times, we see the importance of these principles reflected in our laws and regulations.

The prohibition against stealing extends beyond physical possessions, as the rise of digitalization has given rise to new forms of theft. People now engage in stealing valuable and confidential information, hacking bank accounts, and committing various other cybercrimes. The depths of human greed and ingenuity in finding ways to steal are boundless.

Despite efforts to enforce stricter rules and penalties, the world continues to struggle with increasing crime rates. Most cases remain unresolved, and countless criminals are still at large. However, individual experiences and teachings can shape our understanding of right and wrong. For instance, as a child, I once took a toy car without realizing it was stealing. When my mother discovered it, she immediately corrected me and taught me the importance of returning what does not belong to me. This incident helped me understand the unlawfulness of stealing.

So, what drives people to steal? It often stems from a lack of fear or reverence for God and a failure to grasp the consequences of their actions. While individuals may believe they can escape the reach of earthly justice, every movement and thought related to stealing recorded. Even if court systems fail to convict someone due to a lack of evidence, they cannot escape God’s awareness. On the Day of Judgment, every action accounted.

As followers of God, we should strive to set an example and honour His commandments. It is important not to succumb to the temptations around us, even when colleagues or friends engage in theft. Instead, we should elevate our standards and remain obedient to God’s calling. I once knew a friend who manipulated petty cash bills for personal gain, but the wealth obtained through unlawful means brings only temporary profit. In the eyes of God, such actions tarnish one’s character and lead to a restless and guilt-ridden life. Instead, let us pursue a peaceful existence, honouring God, and following His instructions.

Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a man named Thomas. Hewas known throughout the community for his living his life per the teachings of Jesus Christ. He was a carpenter and was highly respected for his workmanship and fairness in his dealings. He would always ensure that his customers received exactly what they paid for, and that the quality of his work surpassed their expectations. One day, a wealthy merchant from a nearby town came to the village seeking a skilled carpenter to build a large house for him. Hearing about Thomas's reputation, the merchant approached him and struck a deal. Thomas agreed to construct the house, and they agreed upon a fair price for the project. As the construction progressed, Thomas encountered unexpected challenges. The cost of materials increased, and the project took longer than anticipated. Despite these difficulties, Thomas remained steadfast in his commitment to honesty. He refused to cut corners or compromise on the quality of his work. 

When the house finally  completed, the merchant was astonished by the workmanship, and He was even more surprised when Thomas presented him with an itemized account of all the expenses incurred during the construction. The merchant noticed that Thomas had not accounted the additional costs and time spent on overcoming the challenges. Curious, the merchant asked Thomas why did not include the extra expenses in the bill. Thomas responded with a smile, saying, "I believe in honesty and fairness in all my dealings. Though the project took longer and faced unexpected hurdles, I do not think it is right to burden you with the additional costs. I have only charged you for what we agreed upon at the beginning." Impressed by Thomas's integrity, the merchant praised him for his honesty and offered to pay the additional expenses. However, Thomas politely declined, stating that his satisfaction came from knowing he had done his work honestly and with integrity. 

Word of Thomas's honesty and principled approach spread throughout the region. People sought out his services, not only for his workmanship but also for the trust they had in his character. Thomas's reputation as an honest Christian man continued to grow, and he became an inspiration to others in the village. 

This story of Thomas serves as a reminder that honesty and integrity are fundamental values in the Christian faith. By living a life rooted in these principles, we can have a profound impact on the lives of those around us and serve as beacons of light in a world often clouded by deceit and dishonesty.

Prayer: Father, we humbly come before You and seek Your guidance and wisdom. We acknowledge Your commandment, “Thou shalt not steal,” and confess any temptations or transgressions we have faced in this regard. Please forgive us for falling short of upholding Your moral principles. Grant us strength and discernment to resist the allure of theft in all its forms. Help us to respect and protect the possessions of others, both physical and digital. Open our eyes to the consequences of our actions, knowing that You witness every movement and thought. May this awareness deter us from greed and deceit. We pray for those who have succumbed to stealing, that their hearts softened, and their eyes opened to the harm they cause. Guide them onto a path of repentance and restoration. Empower us to be beacons of integrity, even during unethical practices. Give us the courage to elevate our moral standards and inspire others to do the same. We trust in Your loving care and pray that our lives bring honour to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The occurrence of data breaches is also on the rise. In the first quarter of 2023 alone, over 1,000 data breaches reported. These breaches expose individuals’ sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers, credit card details, and medical records.

Phishing attacks are evolving and becoming more sophisticated. Phishing is a form of social engineering in which attackers send deceptive emails or text messages that are from reputable sources like banks or credit card companies. The objective is to deceive the recipient into clicking on malicious links or disclosing personal information.

It is crucial to note that cybercrime continues to evolve, and new tactics and threats emerge regularly. Staying informed about the latest cybersecurity trends and implementing appropriate security measures is essential for individuals to protect against these risks.

##Living by Faith##