According to a recent survey by LendingTree.com, theft at self-checkout counters is on the rise (www.lendingtree.com/debt-consolidation/checkout-theft-survey/). The numbers reveal that "27% of self-checkout users have purposely taken an item without scanning." That is one in four people! The top reasons given for stealing are that prices are too high and unfair.
Stealing is a sin. It was condemned under the old covenant: You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another (Leviticus 19:11 NKJV). It is condemned under the new: Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need (Ephesians 4:28). Some try to justify stealing based upon current circumstances. This is true of all types of sin. Adam placed the blame of his sin not on himself, but on Eve. Eve placed the blame on the serpent. But if stealing is wrong, there are no circumstances that can change it to being right.
Perhaps some in our society have lost sight of the fear of God. Indeed the wise man made this observation: Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil (Ecclesiastes 8:11). Then he proceeds to link this mindset with a lack of fear: Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God (Eccl. 8:12-13).
Why should we be troubled by this rise in theft in our society? Because it causes harm to others (Romans 13:9,10). Folks may rationalize that they are not hurting anyone by not scanning that loaf of bread, but they are mistaken. Someone has to pay for it, and it will likely be all the other customers. For the store may have to raise prices to compensate for losses due to theft. The consequences of a person's sin are rarely felt by only the sinner, but there is almost always fallout. All of Israel was affected by Achan's theft (Joshua 7). Communities are usually known for the bad or good actions of a few. Think of Germany and the stain the Nazis put on that country for decades. Think of Berea in the book of Acts and what positive impression comes to your mind?
Therefore, let us never give approval to sin in our community neither let us be silent (Romans 1:32). For we or our children will not be untouched by the consequences. Rather, let us expose these wrongs by the teachings of Christ (Ephesians 5:11-13). We and many others will be blessed if we do. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:34).
Brotherly, Jamie
