Does It Really Belong to You?

What might you be taking right now — perhaps very subtly — that doesn’t actually belong to you?

Time. Attention. Recognition.

Maybe it’s not shoplifting. Maybe it’s not something that anyone would immediately notice. But deep down, you know: This isn’t completely right…

“You must not steal” (Exodus 20:15). 

This commandment seems very straightforward. And maybe your first thought is: “Okay, this one really doesn’t apply to me.”

But if we are honest, this goes much deeper. 

Stealing does not begin only when you obviously take something that belongs to someone else. It starts much earlier: When you take credit that doesn’t truly belong to you.

Do you know how strange it feels when I see my own quotes — words I prayed over, words I worked hard on — suddenly being used by others without my name being mentioned? 🤷

I have chosen to let it go and hope that many people are blessed by them. But, technically, it is still stealing. 

Or imagine someone is urgently waiting for your response so they can continue working, and you keep putting it off, far beyond the deadline… you’re making them wait. In a way, you are “stealing” their time and the time of others.

Suddenly, it is no longer just about possessions, it is about your attitude, because at its core, stealing is:

➡️ Taking something for yourself instead of trusting that God will provide. 😧

Paul writes: “If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need” (Ephesians 4:28).  

This is more than just: “Stop doing that.”

It is a complete change of direction:

No longer taking — but giving! No longer living from a place of lack — but from a place of trust!

Wow!

Ask yourself honestly today: “Where am I taking instead of giving?” 🤔

And take one intentional step toward change:

No longer taking, but giving.

You are a miracle!