You must not steal.
Exodus 20:15 NLT
Throughout my working life I have had responsibility for how I use my time. Initially this was both a privilege and a great challenge. It was all too easy to fritter time away on non-essential issues. No one closely supervised me, so I was responsible for what I did with my time. In Christian service the outcomes were difficult to measure. I had to come to terms with my own inert laziness.
Many speak of their work as a means to securing income with little reflection around any responsibility to their employer. Equally employers often appear to have little investment in the welfare of their staff, apart from the hours they invest in working for them. If I was to describe myself, and then either of the above situations as “stealing”, how would you react? For scripture invites us to treat our employment, and our employees, as a sacred trust from God (see eg Ephesians 6:7).
Over the years I’ve learned how to order my time so that I am faithful in serving the sacred trust of my work without cutting corners or investing time for my own ends when I’m engaged in work. In the past, I’ve taken from my workplace resources that are really for delivering my work simply because they were there and I felt that either no one would mind, not that I asked anyone, or that I was entitled to these things.
A few years ago, many were shocked at the MPs’ expenses scandal. There was much self-righteous indignation over such an abuse of power. Yet, I reflected what my actions might have been if I were in their shoes.
The problem with stealing, whether taking goods illegally or abusing the trust of my employer or exploiting my employees, is that is hardens my own heart towards right living. Stealing may lead to the loss of our nation’s soul.
QUESTION
Are there any areas where you take from others?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to have the utmost diligence and integrity in all I do.
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