THE UNDERCOVER THIEF

Thou shalt not steal  Exodus 20:15 (KJV)

I don’t steal. Are you sure? You may have never entered a store and came out with items, not purchased; went online and stole someone’s identity; held a person at gunpoint and robbed them; or went into someone’s home and left, with their possessions, without permission. This may a directive (Commandment) you checked off, thinking, I don’t steal. People believe stealing only involves money or objects.

Stealing means to take something that does not belong to you. Or, to take something that you are not supposed to have, without asking permission.

Are you guilt of:

• Wrongfully taking and using another person’s idea?
• Taking office supplies, home?
• Riding the clock, getting paid, when you are not working?
• Keeping money, when the clerk gives you too much change?
• Claiming more dependents, on your income tax, than you have? Or, claiming a person you should not claim?
• Purchasing a dress, wear it to a party and take it back for a full price? This can apply to more than clothes.

I was in a convenient store, a few days, after Thanksgiving, and witnessed many Turkey fryers being returned. I wondered if all these Turkey Fryers were damaged? Or, they were used on Thanksgiving Day and returned because they no longer had a purpose. In your eyes, is that stealing?

From the bullets above, I will present distorted reasons why many people justify the act of stealing.

• Another person’s idea: They always have good ideas, this it is my chance and I am going to take.
• Office Supplies: The company can afford
• Riding the clock: They don’t pay me enough anyway.
• Income tax; I pay high taxes. The government won’t miss it.
• Returned items, after use: This is not stealing because it was purchased. I don’t have a reason to keep it.

You can sugarcoat, add whipped cream and a cherry, the bottom line you are stealing, in some shape, form or fashion.

The other forms of stealing that may have never been considered. Do you:

• Steal the time away from your children by watching excessive TV, posting on social media or other distracting events, neglecting them?
• Pilfer your time, by watching excessive TV, posting on social media, or, other distracting events, neglecting duties to better yourself?
• Rob character, dignity, self-esteem of other people with verbal, emotional and physical abuse?
• Hijack your future? You know you should go back to school, start a business or further your career. But, you rob yourself by procrastinating or allowing fear to stop you.
• Steal your partner’s love, trust and confidence in you, by having an affair.
• Gamble. You are robbing yourself of money, that is needed elsewhere. You may have winnings, but probably will may never add up to your losses.
• Have addictions. Illegal and legal drugs, excessive alcohol. You are taking time, money, effort, support, love, trust from yourself and those close to you.

Take time to ponder the concept of stealing. Are you stealing things on purpose, or unaware? Are you an Undercover Thief?