You must not steal. Exodus 20:14

 

Over 90% of Americans and Brits still say that breaking the 8th commandment—”You must not steal,” is wrong. (Exodus 20:14)

 

Sure, we know that robbing a bank, shoplifting from a store, or forging a signature on a check is wrong. But we steal from each other in many much more subtle ways, that we may not have stopped to think about.

 

We steal each other’s time. Like that last time you met your best friend for lunch. You had scheduled too many things to do and “just wanted to finish this one thing” before you left to meet up, arriving fifteen minutes late.

 

We also steal each other’s recognition. When his company president stopped Daniel in the hall to compliment him on a report, Daniel conveniently neglected to mention that the new hire created the report.

 

But have you ever realized that when we “problem solve” for another person, we’re stealing incredibly important things from them? When a friend experiences a problem, there’s the urge to make it better for them now! We offer unsolicited advice, make a call for them, or meet a need right on the spot. Parents of young adults are famous for this… and it’s stealing.

 

When we steal another’s problem, we steal their opportunity to learn from their mistakes. We steal personal growth and their sense of competency, but most of all, we steal the opportunity for them to go to God as their Source and see His words in action.

 

Have you problem-solved for another? We can give back what we’ve “taken.” We can apologize and assure them that we’re sure they’ll solve the problem, and that God promises to help, when asked! (James 1:5)