Property Management – Dealing with Thieves

Property Management – Dealing with Thieves

Exodus 22: “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep. ² If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed. ³ If the sun has risen on him, there shall be guilt for his bloodshed. He should make full restitution; if he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. ⁴ If the theft is certainly found alive in his hand, whether it is an ox or donkey or sheep, he shall restore double.

 

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GOD gives Moses specific instructions on how to handle a thief. Earlier, GOD gave everyone the commandment, “You shall not steal.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD seemed to be dealing with a selfish mindset that would cause people to take what was not theirs.
• GOD wants to be the provider, but when someone steals, HIS provision is tainted.
• GOD seemed to desire that the thief make things right.

 

“I deserve this thing” is the limiting mindset that GOD is trying to address. HE is the one who determines what we deserve or not. Later GOD would speak about how HE hates robbery and wrongdoing, to Isaiah.

 

A thief is a person who steals something without asking for the thing or paying for the thing, usually done in stealth and without force or violence. Today, the mindset of the thief can be quite complex. It’s not just about oxen (tools) or sheep (food and clothing). Today’s thief takes ideas (Intellectual Property), identities (Digital Property), Housing (squatter), and stuff (Physical Assets).

 

I believe al of the Laws of Moses were put in place to protect the children of Israel and to point to CHRIST. They were supposed to act different than the Egyptians and the children of Canaan who would steal at the drop of a hat.

 

The thief did not want to work for their tools or food. GOD gave instructions that the caught thief needed to be put to work as the punishment. This is what the thief should have been doing in the first place, so the owner would have no guilt. If the punishment, however, caused the thief to die and nothing is done about the death, then the guilt would fall on the owner. GOD hates circumventing HIS provision to get one’s way.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS way of dealing with the mindset of the thief?
• Are you stealing anything and trying to justify the theft?
• What do you have and what do you feel you deserve and does this cause a conflict between you and GOD?

Eighth Commandment – No Stealing

Eighth Commandment – No Stealing

Exodus 20:  ¹⁵ “You shall not steal.

 

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GOD told Moses and the children of Israel not to steal. This was HIS eighth commandment.

 

My Observations:

• GOD may have been addressing a mindset of stealing that was adopted from the Egyptians.
• GOD may have seen how powerful people steal to remain in power.
• GOD may have also been addressing the fact that the people may have ignored HIS provision

 

 

Being a god was important to the Egyptian Pharaoh. They would go to great lengths to obtain the status of a god and to keep it. One method they may have used was stealing from those who served them. During the plagues, all of the Egyptian animals were killed by GOD. The Egyptians may have used force to steal some of the living animals from the children of Israel.

 

This mindset was dangerous to the LORD. Thievery is a form of trying to be a god. The thought behind it is “I want what you have and I have decided to take it by force or by sneaky activity.”

 

Stealing reduces GOD’s power and provision. The thief may feel GOD’s timing or current provisions were inadequate. GOD provided manna, turned bitter water sweet and provided water from a rock. HE wants you and me to know HE is the provider. But when wee take matters in our own hands, we become thieves.

 

The result of getting more money or more food or a better living space may not be pleasing to GOD. Undercutting and devaluing may be a form of stealing that also surfaces from the Egyptian mindset. Over valuing a house or under paying for a car could be an example of adjacent thievery that is more complex.

 

GOD was addressing a mindset that keeps a person from asking for something. They take without giving and make decisions for how they treat the people around them as justification for their thievery.

 

GOD is the provider, but when we steal, HE no longer is viewed as the provider. Fortunately, GOD is merciful. JESUS was hung on the cross between two thieves. One thief gave a testimony about JESUS not deserving to be put to death. The thief was forgiven.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS warning to not steal?
• Have you stolen something that should have been provided by GOD?
• Is GOD your provider?

Participate Anyway

Participate Anyway

Galatians 4:¹⁷ Those other people show a deep interest in you, but their intentions are not good. All they want is to separate you from me, so that you will have the same interest in them as they have in you. ¹⁸ Now, it is good to have such a deep interest if the purpose is good—this is true always, and not merely when I am with you. ¹⁹ My dear children! Once again, just like a mother in childbirth, I feel the same kind of pain for you until Christ's nature is formed in you. ²⁰ How I wish I were with you now, so that I could take a different attitude toward you. I am so worried about you!

 

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After a long day I sat on the bus headed home. Traffic was thick so we creeped down the street. I looked out the window and saw people from my school taking an alternate route since the main one was filled. I could also see thugs waiting to rob them.

 

• I felt there was nothing I could do.
• I felt bad for the those who were about to be victimized.
• I felt angry at those who were trying to take advantage of others for their own gain.

 

Paul expresses his deep concern for those who have turned away from the saving message of JESUS to follow other messages that provided temporary hope. Thieves desiring attention were busy trying to steal love versus living it. All Paul could do is be concerned from a distance. It seemed hopeless.

 

My Observations

• When I see someone being wronged, I can ask GOD to intercede.
• GOD lets me know that prayer is more powerful than thieves, even though it doesn’t feel that way in the moment.
• Vengeance is for the LORD so my participation is for all people involved to receive HIS mercy.

 

It is painful to watch someone try to steal people’s hearts. I mean, those who are hurt try their best to keep other people hurt because misery loves company. BUT GOD holds the key to that situation.

 

It takes faith to let go of the obvious trap you can see someone walking into. GOD sees the heart of those who are being victimized and those who are being predators. HE hears your prayers even though you may have to participate from a distance. I am glad GOD intervenes and intercedes for those HE is bringing back to HIM.

 

Challenge

• What “other people” is the writer speaking about?
• Can you feel the writers pain and passion for everyone he spoke the gospel to?
• If you see someone intentionally trying to hurt someone and you are not able to directly intervene, will you participate anyway by asking GOD for HIS protection and mercy?

Mistakes Used Powerfully

Mistakes Used Powerfully

Acts 3: ¹¹ Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. ¹² So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? ¹³ The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. ¹⁴ But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, ¹⁵ and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. ¹⁶ And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

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In a hurry, I stopped by the cleaners to pick up my clothes. No one was around so I left the car running. Unfortunately, habit kicked in and I locked the car as I got out. When I returned to the car I could not get in. I had to call the police. Afterwards, I warned people to turn off their car even at short stops.

• When I learn from my mistakes, I warn others.
• When I have felt the sting of a mistake I tell other people so they won’t do it.
• When I make a mistake that is costly, I plea with people trying to convince them not to fall into the same trap I did.

The crowd was amazed that Peter healed the man who was lame. They rushed at him and probably started worshiping him. Peter warned them of their behavior. He told them of their denial of JESUS and reminded them of their choice to keep a murderer alive. Peter also had denied JESUS, but was blessed with restoration. He could now tell them the power comes from JESUS.

• JESUS wants me to be open with my sins so others will feel free to admit theirs.
• JESUS wants me to tell other people that I have made mistakes so they will not be bound by theirs.
• JESUS wants me to be brave enough to admit sin publicly so the sin no longer has power over me or whoever hears it.

Saying I have made mistakes is often not easy. I mean who wants to say. “I have lusted” or “I have enjoyed porn” or “I have stolen” or “I have lied?” Most people would not if they were trying to keep up a façade. BUT GOD wants me to admit to all of that and more.

These sins no longer have power over me only because JESUS said “I forgive you of all your sins” to me. HE released me from the consequence of sin and I am filled with joy, I want to tell other people about my mistakes so they will do the same and be forgiven. I admit I have made a lot of mistakes that JESUS cleaned up.

• Are you hiding your mistakes?
• Are you nervous that other people will find out your deepest darkest secrets?
• Will you start small and build up to, what you consider, big sins, admitting them to others so they can see you are forgiven by JESUS today?

Money Eyes

Luke 16: Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. ² So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’

³ “The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg— ⁴ I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.’

⁵ “So he called in each one of his master’s debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’

⁶ “‘Nine hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied.

“The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.’

⁷ “Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?’

“‘A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he replied.

“He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’

⁸ “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. ⁹ I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

¹⁰ “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. ¹¹ So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? ¹² And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?

¹³ “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

¹⁴ The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. ¹⁵ He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.

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• GOD wants me to be honest.
• GOD wants me to be just.
• GOD wants me to see money as a tool, not a life saver.

Three were times when I sunk very low and would almost do anything for money. When creditors were calling and no money was headed my way, I felt miserable. BUT GOD showed me something different. HE showed me that I am made of much more than money. HE gave me HIS mercy so I could love others. GOD’s mercy is worth more than riches to me.

• Are you stuck?
• Do you spend most of your time talking about or thinking about money or the lack thereof?
• Can you examine your heart to see how much of a hold does money have on you?
• Will you serve GOD over money today?

Desire to Win

Luke 3: ¹² Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”

¹³ And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.”

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“How did you beat him?” I asked. “It’s my secret” was the reply. I watched him play the game again and noticed he was taking money out of the bank as his opponent wasn’t looking. He was cheating! This seemed like a great idea. “Maybe now I can win” I thought to myself.

• There were times when I would do whatever it would take to win.
• There were times when I would stretch the truth in order to win.
• There were times when I would cut corners, stack the deck and lean things in my favor in order to win.

John said to the tax collectors “Collect no more than what is appointed for you” knowing most of them would skim a lot off the top for themselves. The industry was corrupt and it was widely accepted amongst people so their practices, while sneaky, were accepted. BUT GOD wants me to act differently.

• GOD says to me “A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is HIS delight.”
• GOD says to me “The LORD wants weights and measures to be honest and every sale to be fair.”
• GOD says to me “Use honest scales, honest weights, and honest measures. I am the LORD your GOD, and I brought you out of Egypt.”

Honesty should be placed higher than winning every time. The desire to please GOD is in fact “winning” every time I play. Whether it is a game or a business deal, GOD wants me to ask HIM “How do you want me to handle this transaction?” HE can decide the outcome and when HE does, I win every time because I accept GOD’s will.

• Are you hung up on winning?
• Do you lie to yourself in order to justify your actions?
• Can you stop trying to win and start listening to GOD who always has a great plan for you?  

What to Live By

Habakkuk 2: ⁴ “See, the enemy is puffed up;
    his desires are not upright—
    but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness

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“You are very good at what you do” someone said to me. “I am” I thought to myself. I “deserve” a raise and a promotion. I did not put my feet on the person’s desk physically, but I did with my words. “When will I be next in line for a higher position?” I said.

• There have been times when I have thought “more highly” of myself.
• There have been times when I have felt I am “better” than “that” person.
• There have been times when I have believed the words of flattery and let them go to my head.

After getting the promotion I soon realized this was not enough. I mean my boss was asking me all the questions. Shouldn’t “I” be the boss? I took classes on how to get to the next level and after a while I did become the boss, only after a lot of people were fired! Good riddance! Or was it?

• GOD wants me to walk humbly with HIM.
• GOD desires that I live for HIM and not for the job.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS ways and live by HIS faithfulness.

Instead of becoming a repellent, GOD wants me to be a draw to many. HE wants me to place my sinful desires at HIS feet and ask “Do YOU want me to have this?” and allow HIS answer to be “No!” HE wants me to treat everyone with respect and allow HIS humility to be my guide.

Faithfulness to GOD is the creed I need to follow. It should not matter how high I climb as long as I have GOD guiding me. GOD removes my arrogance and replaces it with HIS wisdom.

• Do you have a deserving attitude?
• Do you believe you should be treated better?
• Do you think you can rob or take whatever you desire?
• Can you stop thinking more highly of yourself and allow GOD to humble your ways?

Dedicated to the robber who attacked one of my daughter’s. – GOD forgives

Caught Thief

Ezekiel 45: ⁹ “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: You have gone far enough, princes of Israel! Give up your violence and oppression and do what is just and right. Stop dispossessing my people, declares the Sovereign Lord.

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Budget time came around quickly this time. Cuts had to be made and I thought to myself “If we could only get rid of my boss and a few other scoundrels then there would be enough money for raises.” I called them scoundrels because this was an easy label to justify my decisions.

• There have been times I have been a thief in disguise.
• There have been times I have stolen someone else’s salary and position.
• There have been times I have fought off the mighty in order to gain ground.

Dispossessing was about the only way to get ahead in the company I was in. I mean the person above had to practically die out of office in order for everyone to move up a notch. The accepted method of moving ahead was to knock the person off the top and take the higher spot.  This was done through clannish slander and smear campaigns. BUT GOD wanted me to behave different.

• GOD said to me “Give up your violence.”
• GOD said to me “Give up your oppression.”
• GOD said to me “Stop dispossessing MY people.”

GOD wants me to have a heart “for” people, not against them. HE would rather I stay in the same spot and serve than to rip someone apart and conquer them. GOD wants “their” heart and it may take me to humble myself rather than exalting my skills. My purpose should only be to bring people to HIM.

• Are you trying to slander someone?
• Are you thinking the best for that person or are you secretly trying to dispossess them?
• Can you stand on your own merit by having GOD guide you?

Grow up and give it back!

Joshua 7: ¹⁰ The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? ¹¹ Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. 

¹² That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.

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Toner got all over my hands and finally some got on my clothes.  I fixed numerous paper jams and it seemed like the automatic stapler went nuts as soon as I fixed other problems.  It was after hours and I had to fix everything myself because I was making copies for my social group. “My company wouldn’t mind because they made lots of money”, I thought to myself.

• When I permanently borrow something without permission it’s stealing.
• When I use something without permission it’s stealing.
• When I go outside the boundaries for my own personal gain, it’s stealing.

Stealing was not my mode of operation.  I would never consider myself a thief.  I mean thieves break in and take what’s not theirs. So what’s the harm in taking stuff from work? “These folks are thieves themselves, they have plenty!”

• GOD wants me to mature enough to not want even a paperclip that’s not mine.
• GOD wants me to grow up enough to realize that even the time spent goofing off at work is stealing.
• GOD wants me to ripen enough to desire HIS supply of my needs rather than me taking them from someone.

Slipping out of work early or taking material from the job or doing inferior work to collect a check has not build the best relationship between me and GOD. I may even justify my actions by classifying the company or even my boss as jerks, but it still doesn’t fit well within GOD’s favor.

GOD wants me to be honest in my dealings and desires that I focus my attention on HIM more and more.

• Are you stealing from work by not giving your best?
• Are you stealing from GOD by not serving, giving, or praying?
• Can you give back what you have taken and start over?
• Won’t you grow up enough to admit what you are taking?

I have someone who can help

Hebrews 2: ¹⁷ For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

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When I compare my temptations to other folks they seem rather mild. Okay, I was tempted to take my parents’ car without permission, look at a body I wasn’t married to, or move ahead in the company while taking others out of my way. People today would say “you are really a wimp” especially since I was really nervous as the temptation popped in my head.

Even though my temptations may seem mild they are temptations nonetheless. Who can help me with my temptations?

• When I am tempted to sin, I try to run away from GOD.
• When I am tempted to sin, I blame GOD for making too many rules.
• When I am tempted to sin, I look at others instead of myself and I justify my actions.

The devil knows sin blinds me from GOD’s grace. Every time I sin, I can’t see how GOD would love me, nor can I see that I have the right to tell anyone else about HIM.  I mean what would I say? “Follow the rules?” I couldn’t even follow them myself. Wait, maybe that’s what I should say!

• I should tell people I sin and GOD forgives me.
• I should tell people JESUS became a human and understands everything I go through.
• I should tell people GOD desires to help “anyone” who is willing to hear HIM.

GOD loved me so much that HE took my punishment for sin. HE sentenced HIMSELF and allowed HIS humans to murder HIM. Before HE died HE was tempted in every way possible. Yes “every way.” HE never sinned and fully understands my battle. HE is my focus to help me see around the temptation.

• Are you tempted?
• Do you feel like you are not in control of your life?
• Can you allow GOD to comfort you?
• Won’t you believe HE knows what you are going through and wants to help?

Just say “No!”

Titus 2: ¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. ¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

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Rain delayed the busses and everyone, including me, piled on the first bus that appeared. Standing room only forced us to be pushed to the seedier area of the bus where “that” guy felt compelled to light up his “homegrown” cigarette at six O’clock in the morning. He peered at me with a grin and asked “Want some?” That was an easy “NO!”

Later that day some of my friends said they were going to a party that night. I said I probably wouldn’t be allowed to go and they suggested that I sneak out. “Hmm, that’s not a bad idea” I thought to myself. The problem was I couldn’t come up with a good lie, our house was too small and my parents seemed to be awake at crazy hours. “How are you getting out of your house?” I asked.

• The world will always offer me something that seems “better” than GOD.
• The world will always want me to jump in on activities that are against GOD.
• The world will always invite me to join in activities that don’t please GOD but since “everyone” else is doing it maybe HE won’t mind.

The HOLY SPIRIT was place inside anyone who believes that JESUS (GOD) voluntarily allowed HIMSELF to be murdered by HIS own creation and is now living. The HOLY SPIRIT teaches me to say “NO” to the temptations of the world and HE comforts me “when” I decide to fall.

Little by little HE teaches me to take baby steps toward HIM and every time I fall, HE is right there to pick me up. CHRIST did the heavy lifting by removing eternal death from me. All I have to do is accept HIS gift and be purified. I can now take my baby steps toward HIM.

• Are you tempted to do something you know is wrong?
• Are you avoiding GOD so you can keep doing what you are doing?
• Can you turn toward HIM just a little today?
• Won’t you say “No” to that temptation and know that if you fall HE is there to pick you up?

I was made for this!

Ephesians 2: ⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

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Lying, cheating and stealing is where I found myself at one point in my life.  I mean it was harmless to say “fine” when in reality I was hurting inside so I wasn’t really lying right? Also I was working to pay for college so I didn’t have time to really write “that” paper so I asked someone to do it for me but that isn’t really cheating right?

And the company I worked for made billions so they expect for me to copy flyers at work and staple books together. It was for a “good cause” so they won’t mind and that’s not stealing right?

• No matter how good my intentions are my sin bubbles out of me.
• No matter how I try to hide my sins GOD can still see what I am doing.
• No matter how much I try to justify my actions I am still responsible for my sins.

One day I sat in my apartment and I looked at my life.  I was used to “stretching” the truth to get my way or stay out of trouble. I was used to “taking short cuts” in lieu of doing the work. I was used to getting some service for free otherwise known as “the hook up.” Where was I? Was I made for this? NO!

• GOD saved me in the middle of my sin because of HIS grace.
• GOD saved me to do “good works.”
• GOD saved me as a gift to me and doesn’t want me to waste HIS gift of grace.

Good works do not save me rather I was made for GOD’s good works. HIS grace and mercy makes me look at “my” life rather than looking at others and I definitely see I am not worthy of HIS grace but I accept HIS gift wholeheartedly. I can celebrate with others by doing good works instead of complaining about what people are saying or doing.

I can tell people about the love of GOD’s SON, JESUS who saved any who believe. That’s what I was made for!

• Where are you?
• What sin is holding you back from doing GOD’s “good works?”
• Do you believe in GOD’s grace for you or are you trying to work for HIS favor?
• Won’t you celebrate HIS grace by forgetting your sin and focusing others on HIS love?

Is GOD a joke or is HE real?

Luke 19: ⁸ But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

 ⁹ Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. ¹⁰ For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

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My life has not been that bad when it comes to cheating, stealing and lying. I mean I did all the above but there are no warrants for my arrest. So that makes me good, right? Wrong!

• Admitting sin is hard to do especially when I don’t even realize when I have sinned.
• Admitting sin is hard to do when I have covered up my sin for so long.
• Admitting sin is hard to do when people made me popular because of those sins.

Zacchaeus was good at stealing from people. He stole and called it his job, namely tax collection. It wasn’t personal, it was business. As a follower of CHRIST, I would go to work and try to leave HIM in the car.

There I would turn into a stone cold warrior who dared people to get in my way. Not praying about my plans I forged ahead to take down my dishonest, arrogant power hungry opponents. Little had I realized I had become like them in order to take them down on their turf. I can’t imagine going back in time and repairing every little sin.

• When it comes to GOD’s humans, it “is” personal, not business.
• When it comes to GOD’s humans I should be aware of my proximity to GOD at all times so I can treat them the way HE wants me to treat them.
• When it comes to GOD’s humans I need to conduct my business above the level at all times.

Just because people around me are acting low down and dirty doesn’t mean I have to do the same. Remaining above the level takes a special relationship with GOD that opens my heart to others while remaining firm in HIS beliefs. HE will protect and defend me in all situations.

• Is there a sin you have become very good at that you would not admit to anyone?
• Do you think GOD wants you to hide your sins and keep them only between you and HIM?
• Can you imagine going back to all those you’ve sinned against and repaying them for your sin?
• Don’t you want to be free from the guilt of your sins?
• Do you realize that sin has no power over you if you confess them to the crowd?

Can I be trusted?

Luke 16:  ¹⁰ “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. ¹¹ So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? ¹² And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?

   ¹³ “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

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Sunrise was beautiful as it glistened off the lake near my job, at least it was when I could pay attention to it. Unfortunately its beauty went unnoticed most days as I trudged into work half asleep.

My job was menial and repetitive to me so I would take frequent breaks and sometimes doze off in the washroom. I mean who should get up at this hour and why didn’t they give me more to do?

• I should not be trusted if I am so focused with my life that I cannot see what’s going on with others.
• I should not be trusted if I justify taking even a paperclip from work.
• I should not be trusted if I think “they are rich they won’t miss it.”

Being trusted with little is harder than it looks.  Most would believe it’s all about money but it is really all about “attitude” with GOD. Selfishness can permeate every fragment of my soul which causes me to be blind to GOD’s plan. I can’t hear HIM nor can I see HIM do HIS thing when I am selfish so I wind up doing untrustworthy things.

• GOD wants me to treat “every” dollar of my employer as if it were mine.
• GOD wants me to view my job as a privilege not as if it were owed to me.
• GOD wants me to give my wealth away not hoard it for myself.

GODLY wealth is bestowed on those who are willing to share in a graceful, mercy filled way. Satanic wealth is granted to those who lie, back-stab, cheat, and steal. Whether I am stealing time or materials from my employer to do personal things it’s wrong in GOD’s eyes and HE won’t trust me with HIS wealth on this earth or in heaven.

HE does get excited when I “entrust” all my money to HIM and bless others as much as I can.

• Are you sneaky?
• Do you steal personal time or material from your employer?
• Are you working for a human or GOD?
• Can you ask GOD to help you be trustworthy in all aspects of your life?