"Thou shalt not steal" (Exodus 20: 15)
"But godliness with
contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this
world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having
food and raiment, let us be therewith content. But they that will
be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and
hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (1 Timothy
6: 6-9)
Question yourself:
- In all of your
dealings with others are you honest and upright? Do you take care
that others profit as much as yourself? Do you seek to be
absolutely truthful and aboveboard in every business transaction,
regardless of how small? Could it be said of you that you are one
"who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in
his heart"? (Psalm 15:2)
- Do you strive to make certain that
others receive what is their just due? that others receive their
rights? Do you see that they receive and/or keep the money or
goods that are rightfully theirs? Do you conscientiously pay your
taxes?
- If you have stolen or deceitfully withheld
any possession, however small, that belongs lawfully to another, have
your now restored it to the rightful owner - with restitution?
- When you are able, do you cheerfully part with some of your money or
possessions to help someone who lacks the necessities, such as food,
clothing, and housing?
- Would you take anything secretly or
by force that lawfully, rightfully belongs to another? Would you
charge excessive prices for your merchandise? When you sell an
item, would you represent it to the prospective buyer as being better
than it is?
- Are you discontented with those things which
you are able to obtain by honest work? Do you ever covet what
lawfully belongs to another? Do you believe that if you could
accumulate more you would be happy? Do you find yourself
attracted to and even mesmerized by all that this world offers?
-questions from Lauxstermann"s The Believer's Delight, p 91-2, 96-7