Stealing: Taking What Is Not Rightfully Ours

Stealing is far more than the act of taking what is not ours. Scripture treats it as a matter of honesty in the small things, of giving what is due to others, and of honouring God's ownership of everything we have. Its remedy, too, is more than an apology: it is restitution and a changed life.

What Stealing Is

Taking what belongs to someone else, without his or her permission. This includes finding something and not returning it to its owner, not returning something that has been borrowed, or not giving someone what is their right by withholding what is due to them (Lev 6:1-7). The Bible plainly states, "Do not steal" (Ex 20:15; Mt 19:18).

Dishonesty takes many forms. Using dishonest scales and inaccurate measures is deception and is abhorrent to God (Deut 25:13-16). Ananias and Sapphira deceived the apostles and suffered the consequences, while slaves were instructed not to steal from their masters but to show they were fully trustworthy (Act 5:1-11; Tit 2:10). In today's context, the deceitful dealings that are displeasing to God include fudging on our tax returns or not giving our allotted time on the job (Rom 2:21).

Am I guilty of stealing in some way?

Sexual assault is one of the most devastating forms of stealing. Through wrong sexual advances and abuse, many — females and young boys alike — have been robbed of their innocence, their self-esteem and their trust. What has been taken from them in this way is deeply wrong in God's eyes. Jesus said if we compromise our integrity in the little areas it will carry over into the big areas too (Lk 16:10-11), and all our actions are visible before God, who will hold us accountable for all we do (Eccl 12:14; Heb 4:13). Jesus met people across the whole spectrum of society, and wherever dishonesty had taken root He called it out. His advice to tax collectors and soldiers was simple – don't demand more than is the correct amount (Lk 3:12-14). In today's language, while a fair profit should be made on business dealings, it should not be exorbitant. The golden rule is to do to others as we would like them to do to us (Lk 6:31).

The Remedy: Restitution and a Changed Life

The remedy for stealing is not glibly saying 'I'm sorry'. It is restitution – repaying with something of equal or greater value. In the Old Testament law this reimbursement could be up to sevenfold (Prov 6:30-31). Restitution should then be followed by a change of lifestyle. Zacchaeus voluntarily said he would pay back fourfold to those he had stolen from; this indicated the genuineness of his encounter with Jesus (Lk 19:1-10).

Robbing God and Robbing Others

We are robbing God of His rightful ownership of our lives if we are not continually consecrating ourselves to Him – 'I am yours Lord, and I hold nothing back', allowing Him to possess what He bought with His blood on the cross (Rom 12:1-2; 1 Cor 6:19-20; 1 Pet 1:18-19). He has saved us from eternal damnation, so shouldn't we "bless the Lord at all times", in the good and not so good (Ps 34:1)? He also gives us skill in numerous areas of life to accomplish remarkable things, and the ability to work and earn a living – don't rob Him of the glory by not acknowledging His hand on your life (Deut 8:18). Stealing is also a characteristic of Satan – "The thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy" our potential and inheritance in Christ (Jn 10:10).

He gave His all that He might have our all

In the Old Testament people were under a curse for robbing God by not paying their tithes – a tenth of their income (Mal 3:8-10). Surely our appreciation of the immense grace of God to us today warrants more than was stipulated under the law. As our love of God is largely demonstrated by our concern for our fellow man, don't rob those in your 'world' of the recognition, love, encouragement and practical assistance (as is appropriate) that they rightfully deserve (Mt 25:34-45; 1 Jn 4:20).

The same robbery reaches into our daily walk. Do we rob our own spiritual growth and intimacy with the Saviour by yielding to the temptation to minimise our daily time alone with God? Time set apart for Him is easily surrendered to the urgent: the day begins with screens and demands rather than stillness, and prayer is squeezed into whatever moments remain. Yet intimacy with Christ, like any relationship, is cultivated in the ordinary, unhurried giving of attention – listening in His Word, speaking honestly in prayer, sitting quietly in His presence (Mk 1:35; Ps 5:3). When we take from that time we are not merely skipping a duty; we are taking back what we had already surrendered to Him, and stealing from our own souls the nourishment they were made for. The loss compounds quietly: shallower love, dulled discernment, strength that runs out before the day does. Guarding our time alone with God is not legalism but a defence against the subtlest form of robbery – one in which we are both the thief and the robbed.

We end up the poorer

The resources and abilities we have received to fulfil His calling on our lives should not be viewed as 'mine' but 'ours', whereby they are used and shared to bless others – otherwise we are stealing from them (Prov 19:17; Lk 12:16-21; Eph 4:28). There is lasting benefit in 'laying up treasure in heaven' (which we do by giving of our resources for the extension of God's Kingdom), where it can't be stolen (Mt 6:19-20).

Reflection and Application:

Ask God to reveal any dishonesty – something taken, kept or borrowed and not returned – and take a step to make it right.
Examine your integrity at work and in business: your hours, expenses, tax returns and fairness in your dealings.
Consider whether you are robbing God of your consecration, your giving or His glory, and consecrate yourself afresh.
Identify one person in your 'world' you can encourage or practically help this week.