What is Stealing?To steal is simply this: to take, by unjust means, anything that does not belong to us.
When we think of a thief, perhaps we limit the idea to a masked man robbing a store or bank. But the reality of the matter is that thievery is a widespread and daily occurrence we encounter every day. Many of us live under the burden of being stole from daily (as we will see in the next section) and we too are often guilty of stealing, although we may have never robbed anyone with a weapon.
Petty Thieves and "Super-thieves"
The "petty" thieves would be those who steal from stores, such as shoplifting. Or robbing gas stations and convenience stores. We hear a great deal about such criminal activities with regular occurrence on the news. These are the "low level" thieves that are readily made examples of in society, and often receive harsh punishments. But we should not limit the scope of thievery to is most base form. Stealing also occurs when employees cost their employers money. When employees "loaf" on the job and so forth. Such activities are stealing as they are unjustly causing their employer loss which could be prevented.
But there is another kind of thief. Luther calls them the "superthieves." These thieves steal under the cloak of legality. They rob from large groups of people, even entire nations. All that they take is legal to do so; but all that is legal is certainly not right to do. These acts of theft would be considered "white collar" thefts, and may even be legal. Bankers and institutions that lend at exorbitant interest rates, retailers and manufacturers that sell at massive markups, those who offer pennies on the dollar when buying from the poor and so forth. These are the "superthieves." It is not hard to find these "superthieves" in today's headlines. Not only do they get away with stealing, but are often praised for their "business savvy," which may be nothing short of unjustly gaining money and massive profits by exhorting and taking advantage of the poor and simple.
Loving our Neighbor - The Positive Side of Not Stealing
Of course the positive side of not stealing, is to help our neighbor in protecting his goods and wealth. For example, in the Old Testament we read that if you find a neighbors lost ox or donkey, you are not only to not take the ox for yourself ("finders keepers, losers weepers" rule does not apply), but lead the animal back to its proper owner to prevent loss (Exodus 23:4).
As employees, we are to work and not take advantage of our employers by not working or causing loss by carelessness or laziness. Likewise, employers are to pay their employees fair wages and share profits with their employees.
Teaching Kids, "You Shall Not Steal."
Help children understand that all that we posses comes from God. We are not the "owners" of our possessions but rather "stewards" of the gifts God has given us. To steal is to take from our neighbor what God has entrusted to our neighbor. When we steal we are not stealing from our neighbor, but from God Himself.
Reinforce the "positive" aspect of this commandment. We are practicing truly good works that please God when we help our neighbor protect his income or possessions. Why? Because God has given him those things; in helping protect his wealth, we are serving God in protecting the goods He has entrusted to our neighbor. This includes being a good and hard working employee.
Help kids understand that thievery is not limited to the bank robber, but also to "big" acts of stealing -- such as corporate stealing or unfair business practices that take money at unreasonable rates of interest or profit.
In short: show children that the meaning behind all of the commandments that deal with our neighbor (You shall honor father and mother to You shall not covet...; the "second" table of the law) shows us that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mt.7:12; the "Golden Rule").
More Resources for Biblical Memory and Teaching Kids The 10 Commandments
I hope this article will help you to give fuller explanation to your kids on the commandment, "You shall not seal." For more resources visit 10 Commandments for Kids to help children quickly learn The 10 Commandments in a fun way. Or visit me at my author homepage, Boost Your Memory!
When we think of a thief, perhaps we limit the idea to a masked man robbing a store or bank. But the reality of the matter is that thievery is a widespread and daily occurrence we encounter every day. Many of us live under the burden of being stole from daily (as we will see in the next section) and we too are often guilty of stealing, although we may have never robbed anyone with a weapon.
Petty Thieves and "Super-thieves"
The "petty" thieves would be those who steal from stores, such as shoplifting. Or robbing gas stations and convenience stores. We hear a great deal about such criminal activities with regular occurrence on the news. These are the "low level" thieves that are readily made examples of in society, and often receive harsh punishments. But we should not limit the scope of thievery to is most base form. Stealing also occurs when employees cost their employers money. When employees "loaf" on the job and so forth. Such activities are stealing as they are unjustly causing their employer loss which could be prevented.
But there is another kind of thief. Luther calls them the "superthieves." These thieves steal under the cloak of legality. They rob from large groups of people, even entire nations. All that they take is legal to do so; but all that is legal is certainly not right to do. These acts of theft would be considered "white collar" thefts, and may even be legal. Bankers and institutions that lend at exorbitant interest rates, retailers and manufacturers that sell at massive markups, those who offer pennies on the dollar when buying from the poor and so forth. These are the "superthieves." It is not hard to find these "superthieves" in today's headlines. Not only do they get away with stealing, but are often praised for their "business savvy," which may be nothing short of unjustly gaining money and massive profits by exhorting and taking advantage of the poor and simple.
Loving our Neighbor - The Positive Side of Not Stealing
Of course the positive side of not stealing, is to help our neighbor in protecting his goods and wealth. For example, in the Old Testament we read that if you find a neighbors lost ox or donkey, you are not only to not take the ox for yourself ("finders keepers, losers weepers" rule does not apply), but lead the animal back to its proper owner to prevent loss (Exodus 23:4).
As employees, we are to work and not take advantage of our employers by not working or causing loss by carelessness or laziness. Likewise, employers are to pay their employees fair wages and share profits with their employees.
Teaching Kids, "You Shall Not Steal."
Help children understand that all that we posses comes from God. We are not the "owners" of our possessions but rather "stewards" of the gifts God has given us. To steal is to take from our neighbor what God has entrusted to our neighbor. When we steal we are not stealing from our neighbor, but from God Himself.
Reinforce the "positive" aspect of this commandment. We are practicing truly good works that please God when we help our neighbor protect his income or possessions. Why? Because God has given him those things; in helping protect his wealth, we are serving God in protecting the goods He has entrusted to our neighbor. This includes being a good and hard working employee.
Help kids understand that thievery is not limited to the bank robber, but also to "big" acts of stealing -- such as corporate stealing or unfair business practices that take money at unreasonable rates of interest or profit.
In short: show children that the meaning behind all of the commandments that deal with our neighbor (You shall honor father and mother to You shall not covet...; the "second" table of the law) shows us that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mt.7:12; the "Golden Rule").
More Resources for Biblical Memory and Teaching Kids The 10 Commandments
I hope this article will help you to give fuller explanation to your kids on the commandment, "You shall not seal." For more resources visit 10 Commandments for Kids to help children quickly learn The 10 Commandments in a fun way. Or visit me at my author homepage, Boost Your Memory!
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