God's Country : Previous Meditations : The Ten Commandments Email this article
 Printer friendly page
Day 19 - Questions For Reflection on the Eighth Commandment

"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:

  1. 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)
  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?
  3. 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?
  4. 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?
  5. 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?
  6. 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?
  7. -questions from Lauxstermann"s The Believer's Delight, p 91-2, 96-7


Top of Page