MEDITATIONS FOR ELUL – DAY 19
POINTS TO PONDER FROM ELUL MEDITATIONS – DAY 18
Do you ever fall into envy over something that does not belong to you?
How could this trait wind up hurting you or someone else if it continues?
What are your temptations involving the sin of covetousness? Have you asked God to forgive you and help you to overcome them in the future? Are you willing to do that right now? Write this prayer on a piece of paper if it helps you. When you feel God’s mercy and forgiveness and you realize He has healed you, burn the paper prayer as a celebration of a new day.
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ELUL MEDITATIONS – DAY 19
THOU SHALT NOT STEAL
This commandment has always fascinated me. How do you steal from someone so generous that He gave you everything you could ever need? That is what God has done for us.
He created us in a way that make us totally capable of earning a living and providing for ourselves. We have been placed within an earth that is abundant with food, air, water, and other people to be our companions as we go through each day. He has agreed to watch over us and provide for us in every way.
EVEN WHEN WE SINNED HE LOVED US
When we canceled all of the above blessings by stupid sins, God gave the life of His only begotten son to save us.
What more could we ever need?
WHEN WE ARE UNTHANKUL
Yet, God felt the need to write a commandment that says “thou shalt not steal.” He knew how inclined we would be to every temptation the enemy would throw at us. So this commandment became necessary in spite of all of our great provisions.
So, how do we define stealing, and what does that mean to God?
Simply put, stealing shows an attitude of unthankfulness toward God. It demonstrates a total lack of respect and honor for all our Creator has done for us.
This sin is in direct opposition to 1 Thessalonians 5:18 which says, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
A RELATIONAL SIN
Believe it or not, this is more about relationships with one another than owning and possessing material possessions. A lot of this was touched on in our previous article about not coveting. Theft is a form of covetousness. Both sins involve how well we are able to get along with others.
Stealing can break the relationships which God wants us to cultivate with others. It can create distrust, end friendships and make for very bad neighbors.
So, in order not to commit this sin one must develop a love for complete honesty. We must all learn to be honest in all things that we do. This includes all of our business dealings, test takings, bill paying, etc. If we treat our fellowman honestly and deal justly in truth we are in continuous cultivation of the good attributes of trust, affection, responsibility and self-respect. These are all a great ways to live, prosper and enjoy success on the earth.
VERSE
Exodus 20:15, “You shall not steal.”
PRAYER
Father, Please teach us the secrets of contentment. Help us to be thankful in all situations and circumstances. May we always respect that You know what is best for us and that You are our provider. Keep us from the temptation to steal from You or from others.
SONG
GIVE THANKS by Don Meon – https://youtu.be/blbslHDgceY?si=svZqyBTyK3LMngxQ
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