Usurping what belongs to others
On June 10, at least 11 people robbed the office of CMS Securities, a cash management services company, in Ludhiana after overpowering security guards. The mastermind was a couple who stole Rupees eighty million (eight crores). They went to offer thanks for their success to a worship place. Police set up a kiosk offering free fruit drinks. The couple came and received it, and later police arrested them after a short chase. (Business Today, 19 June 2023) The Bible commands not to steal. (Exodus 20:15)
Definition Taking anything that does not rightly belong to us is stealing. Stealing is not just material things; it extends to several other areas. Planning and stealing when the owner is absent, holding a person at gunpoint, and looting or asking for ransom are some of the kinds of stealing.
Thoughts and Ideas Violating copyrights is stealing somebody’s ideas or thoughts. Copying assignments and thesis is looting others’ hard work and intellectual contribution.
Time Lack of punctuality is stealing other people’s time. Deliberately making others wait is also a sin.
Public space violations Parking in the ‘No Parking’ area is stealing public space. Encroaching public space for extending houses or shops is a violation of this commandment.
Reputation Gossiping, spreading rumors, and forwarding unverified news… are examples of stealing other people’s reputations.
Taking credit Unfairly taking credit for the accomplishments of others in business establishments, government institutions or politics means to break this law.
ID theft Now, with modern technology, ID theft has become common. Deceptively stealing other people’s finances by technology or false assurances.
Ransomware Demanding a huge ransom by hacking computers, servers, and cloud storage is a white-collar evil.
Kidnapping People kidnap children or women and demand money to release them.
Dowry Demanding dowry and pushing a family into debt is a form of stealing.
Robbing God The worst stealing can be against God. “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.” (Malachi 3:8)