Stealing For Now

A father’s daughter has graduated from high school, she wishes to go to off to college but the father is not able to afford to give her any money because he now has lost his deluxe house he couldn't afford and is on the verge of loosing his pay check to pay check job.

He owes so much on his mortgage, his electricity bill was recently disconnected, and his car is about to break down any day and he struggles to keep his job: wondering, “Where did he go wrong.”

This father struggles to pay for things he can’t afford but also his daughter struggles because of the decisions he has made has created things to be difficult for his child.

This father reminds me of the story of Achan. He had a temptation to steal. His disobedience caused God to turn His back on Israel. God told Joshua they could not stand before there enemies.

“The LORD said to Joshua, "Get up! Why have you fallen on your face? Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings” (Josh7:10-12).

“Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, give glory to the LORD God of Israel and give praise to him. And tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me." And Achan answered Joshua, "Truly I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and this is what I did: when I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, then I coveted them and took them. And see, they are hidden in the earth inside my tent, with the silver underneath,"(Josh 7:19-21).

Achans' temptation took over his desire to have something for now. So often we make financial decisions all because we want something now and it affects the family. His refusal to wait for God cost him his future, as a result affected Israel.

I imagine this father bought his luxurious house because he couldn't wait to have a big house. After buying the house he never could afford initially, all his other priorities piled on with the instant desired responsibilities he created.

It is against Christ teachings to buy things we can’t afford, “Woe to him who piles up stolen goods and makes himself wealthy by extortion! How long must this go on?”For how long must he, make himself rich with loans?' "Will not your creditors rise up suddenly, And those who collect from you awaken?"(Habakkuk 2:6-7).

Do you think buying things you can’t afford is not stealing? Perhaps you are justifying things by saying, “God knows I need it that is why I buy it.” Maybe you are praying that God would bless you with winning the lottery or some form of quick cash to release you from the mess you put yourself in. God is not for someone creating a get rich quick scheme (Prov 13:11).

If you are stealing stop. Pray to the Lord that you seek Him first and not your desires. Ask God to help you use your time wisely and be more productive so that you are able to give to your family. For is it better to use “your hands for good work and give generously to others in need,” (Prov 13:11).