Stealing From God
This is an audio recording of Stealing From God the Day 18 entry in Today for Seafarers (Vol. 1) devotional by Jason Zuidema.
Listen to the audio by Sheila Margerrison or read the text below:
“God spoke all these words:
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out
of the land of slavery.
“You shall have no other gods before me. . . .
“You shall not steal.
“You shall not give false testimony . . . .”
“Honesty is the best policy.” This is one of those old sayings that everyone knows but few really practice. Actually, for a lot of big companies—shipping companies included—honesty can sometimes cost a lot of money. In practice, being dishonest has led to great profit for many companies around the world.
Dr. Richard Cabot, a medical doctor from Boston in the early 1900s, put it this way in his book about honesty: “Next to food and shelter, honesty seems to be one of our greatest needs.” This statement resonates with the verses we are looking at today, for the Bible teaches that we are to be honest. In the Old Testament the commandments are very clear: “You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony . . . .” Yet every Christian knows it can be hard to put God’s commands into practice.
Stealing was as much a part of the ancient world as it is today. And we’re talking about more than obvious theft here. In ancient times, for example, some shopkeepers used two sets of weights when they bought and sold goods. When they sold something, they would weight out the merchandise on a scale that used weights that were lighter than they were supposed to be. And when they bought something, they would use heavier than normal weights. So they would always get more for themselves while making it seem like they were being honest.
The same happens in different ways today. For example, many seafarers tell me that in certain countries the people who sell food will put the good produce on top, where it’s visible, and bad produce underneath. You think you are buying good quality food, but some of it is worthless.
We need to be honest because God is honest. Most important is the honesty with which he treats our sin. We need to be honest about our sin too—and realize that God provides the only way to be saved from the curse of sin and death. He sent his Son to fully pay for our sins and give us new life. This is the gospel. God has been honest, so we can be free.
For Further Thought
Are we honest in all that we do on board ship? At home?
Do we live with double standards—trying to get more than we pay for?
Why is being honest so important for our own peace and health and for the glory of God?
Prayer
As I set my thoughts on you, O Lord, show me the wonder of your ways. Help me to think about you first and not about my own wealth or happiness. Amen.
