After completing the lesson the student will be able to:
Write from memory the 7th Commandment
Summarize what the 7th Commandment means for our lives
Define the term ‘steward’ and ‘stewardship’.
Define the term ‘tithe’ and explain how it applies to us.
List at least two principles/truths in regards to giving.
Define the differences between the terms ‘robbery’, ‘theft’, and ‘fraud’.
Describe ways we can positively keep & break this commandment.

This commandment protects not only our own property, but also the property of others. God tells us we are not to take that which is not rightly ours. This commandment is necessary, because by nature man is prone to laziness and would not hesitate to take something that belongs to someone else. In the absence of such protection, and without its enforcement by the governmental authorities, you would not be able to provide for yourself and those dependent upon you. Further, you would be at the mercy of those who decide not to work, but simply take that which belongs to someone else. All sense of security and an orderly society would disappear in absence of this commandment.

Throughout Scripture we learn that all things belong to God. In fact, we do not ‘own’ anything, for God is the true owner of all things. Although we do not own anything in this sense, we are given the responsibility of caring for God’s possessions. We are to be the managers or stewards of His possessions, and we are to use His property in a wise way. We are to be good stewards of all that He gave to us. It is also true that God has distributed property in various ways—some have more, some have less. Having less or having more is not wrong, but what is wrong is when our property (riches, stuff) becomes our god.

We are good stewards of our property when we use it to supply food, clothing, shelter, and reasonable pleasure for ourselves and those dependent upon us. We can also use our property for the benefit and good of others, especially those who have less.

Do you know the difference between these two terms—‘robbery’ & ‘theft’? Robbery is taking someone’s goods by force, while theft is taking someone’s goods or property in a sly or sneaky way. “Fraud” is another term that applies here, and is any dishonest business deal, cheating, or intentionally deceiving someone in order to gain material advantage. 

While we often think of this commandment only in regards to actually going out and forcefully taking something from someone else, we see that it also includes so much more. If we are dishonest in any business agreement, overcharge for work, do not pay for services received, fail to return borrowed goods, or damage another’s property, we are in each of these cases also stealing. It is important to note as well that even if we do not actually do the stealing, but are aware of it and allow it to go on, or are in the company of those stealing, we too are guilty of breaking this commandment.

Part of this commandment that we often overlook is the fact that we can also steal from God. How do we do this? We can do this by withholding from Him money, service, time, honor, faith, or love that is His due. A very common area of stealing from God involves our money. Throughout the Bible we read of a concept called ‘the tithe’.

The Bible has much to say about not only tithing, but about giving in general. Giving involves not only money, but also our time and our talent. A good place to begin is with the concept of a tithe, or 10%. While not a “law” unto us, the tithe is nonetheless a great standard that we can begin with. In our time, talent, and treasure, a tithe back to God is most appropriate. Many folks think ‘giving’ to God (in a tithe) is a burden, but the Bible tells us quite to opposite. Giving unto God and unto His work is to be a great joy.