It stinks when somebody steals from us.
Several weeks ago, one of the men in our congregation had a $17,000 motorcycle stolen from his job, despite the presence of a Lo-Jack anti-theft system which didn’t work.
A week after that, one of the men in our congregation had his electronics repair business van stolen from his workplace by somebody he had helped over the years with lodging and food.
And then Lori was victimized yesterday at her job when somebody stole her expensive, new Iphone 4s. No, it’s not as valuable as a vehicle but it is still aggravating and disconcerting to know such people are among your co-workers.
We’ve, of course, had to spend a lot of time and money remedying this theft and Lori is not done yet because of all the content that has to be reloaded into the replacement phone.
As I’ve been reminded of the thefts that I’ve faced over the years, I reflected on how someone gets to the point of having no conscience when it comes to stealing from others.
As with any kind of sin, it’s likely a progression that started long ago with the stealing of candy from other kids or coins from Dad’s dresser or toys from another family’s back yard or wherever.
Ironically, there was a passage in today’s Bible reading that related to this topic.
“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.” (Luke 16:10)
It’s very important that we hold children accountable the first time they steal from others. The lesson needs to sting as well as educate. For if the seriousness of the offense isn’t communicated early, that seed of cancer will grow.
I’m glad that I got caught in 4th grade when my new “friend” talked me into taking a candy bar from a store rather than paying the dime required. I hated having to tell my dad what I did and being grounded for two weeks after the fact. But I learned the lesson well and have not struggled with temptations to steal.
Listen, the person that stole the $17,000 motorcycle was not committing his first crime. The same is true for the person who stole Lori’s phone.
Let’s do all we can to guide our kids and grandkids and nephews and nieces into a greater understanding of why stealing is SO bad.
That way, somebody in the future won’t face loads of aggravation and loss because of thefts by the ones we love but didn’t teach in this way.
As always, I love you
Martin
