The Ten Commandments for Business: Commandment Eight

In this series, we’re pondering the Ten Commandments. The eighth commandment is one that is frequently violated in the workplace.

Matter of fact, I’m embarrassed to say that it is one of the commandments that I violated on multiple occasions as a teenager. There is no way to sugar coat it—I was a thief.

While working at a department store, I longed for the latest rock and roll albums. So, I began sneaking albums out the back shipping door.

Since I was alone, I thought I escaped unnoticed. But I was not alone. My heavenly Father saw me and was disappointed.

Exodus 20:15 says, “You shall not steal.”

You may think you’re alone when you are considering stealing something from work, but you are not alone. God sees all!

Questions for Reflection

• What is the limit when it comes to stealing? Is taking a pen stealing or does it have to be something big, like data or rock and roll albums? If the latter, then where is the line?
• What lines do you blur for the sake of your business? What lines have you been tempted to blur? If you have a need, how could you fill your need without resorting to stealing?