The Bible specifically tells us that we all sin and fall short of the glory of God.  The Ten Commandments are a check point where we can compare our habits.  While we may not break all of them, theft is often overlooked because of small habits in each of us.

Outside of the standard armed robberies and smash and grabs that get attention are ones that do not come to mind for most of us. 

Employers often have to deal with employees who goof off.  They are paid for eight hours of work and average maybe half that time because of too many breaks.  They spend time on the phone with friends or chatting with coworkers and do not think another thing of it.

There is the standard theft where many will walk away with a borrowed pen or pencil.  It goes unnoticed because people have gotten used to that being the normal thing to do.

Here is another one that has recently been stated by a famous pastor.  Anger at a person steals our joy for the amount of time we are angry.  Retaliating against someone or manipulating a person steals their joy or time they wanted to spend doing something else.  This type of theft is one that cannot be prosecuted because there are no material things involved.

None of us are innocent of theft of some type or another.  The devil makes sure of it.

There are ways around theft but it takes prayer and concentration.  Instead of noticing the goof offs at work, we should remain busy.  Taking time from our work to notice them is also taking away from our employer.  Resist temptation to join in.  We may be referred to as uncool but God notices and He will acknowledge us in His timing. 

The pen and pencil issue is one where much concentration is needed.  It takes dedication and determination but it’s an opportunity to endure and grow.

The emotional issues of wanting to make others miserable when we do not get our way is the hardest of all.  Our pride is challenged and it’s necessary to bring our petition to God instead of retaliating or manipulating. 

It’s well worth the acknowledgments from God to make an effort to avoid these thefts.  It is far better to use our energies to give to others than to take from them. 

Ephesians 4:28  New Living Translation

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.