The Biblical Rationale Behind Not Stealing: A Divine Perspective
Why does God say we cannot steal? This is a question often pondered and debated. From 2 Thessalonians 3:10 to the explicit command in the Ten Commandments, the Bible provides multiple reasons to support this moral code. Stealing is not just a legal issue; it is a fundamental moral behavior that is deeply rooted in spiritual principles.
Why Does God Say We Cannot Steal?
St. Paul states in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, “Indeed when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'If a man will not work, he shall not eat.'” This command is not just a religious law but a practical and logical imperative. Without work, there would be no production or distribution of goods, leading to a societal collapse where everyone would eventually starve and perish. The Bible explicitly condemns laziness and advocates for diligence in work. As the Apostle states, 'If anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat.' This principle applies universally, as it ensures the sustainability of the community and the well-being of all individuals.
The Universal Standard of Morality
Another significant reason why God says we cannot steal is that it aligns with God's moral law, which is written on everyone's heart. The Ten Commandments encompass various moral codes, such as not stealing, not murdering, and not committing adultery. These commands are not just religious rules but universal standards of right and wrong that every person inherently understands, according to the biblical perspective. These laws are not just for the believers; they are binding on all people. For example, God said, 'Do not worship idols and worship Me only,' which is a fundamental moral teaching that transcends religious boundaries.
Work and Worship: A Divine Mandate
From the early chapters of the Bible, work is not just a means of survival but a divine mandate. After the fall in the Garden of Eden, God cursed the ground, and Adam and Eve were tasked with hard labor to produce food. Genesis 3:19 says, 'In the sweat of your face you will eat your bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.' This passage underscores the importance of work as a redemptive and spiritually significant activity.
Genesis 2:15 further emphasizes the importance of work: 'The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.' The Hebrew word used for what Adam was supposed to do ("avodah") is the same word used for service in relation to worship. This indicates that work and worship were inseparable for the original humans. Work was a way to honor God, and not working became a rejection of this sacred responsibility.
The Role of Jesus in Upholding this Commandment
Jesus further reinforced the importance of work in the New Testament. John 7:23 records an incident in which Jesus tells a healed man to pick up his mat and walk, even on the Sabbath. This act of doing something that the Pharisees considered "working" on the Sabbath is seen by Jesus as a necessary and ethical act. It demonstrates that work is not only necessary for survival but also part of living a righteous and purposeful life.
Jesus also warned about idolatry and serving money, emphasizing the importance of not making mammon (wealth) God. In Matthew 6:24, He states, 'You cannot serve both God and money.' The root of all evil, according to 1 Timothy 6:10, is the love of money. This commandment against stealing is a direct challenge to the notion that money is the ultimate good or idol.
The Ultimate Reason for Not Stealing
Ultimately, the reason why God says we cannot steal goes back to the essence of human purpose and relationship with God. Stealing is nothing less than a rejection of the promise that God will supply all our needs. Those who love God understand that He will provide for them. By stealing, we undermine this trust andüRpose a contradiction to the divine promise. It is an open defiance of the faith that God has for us and our place in His creation.
In conclusion, the biblical rationale against stealing is rooted in logic, universal morality, and divine purpose. Whether through 2 Thessalonians 3:10 or the commandments, the Bible presents a strong argument against theft, promoting a life of work, honor, and faith.