Why I Don't Steal

If my conscience didn’t bother me, I’d probably break the eighth commandment and steal (Exodus  20:15). 

Not shoplifting or robbing banks, but keeping the extra change…letting the waiter forget to charge for dessert…using copyrighted materials on my blogs…fudging on my taxes. 

But I love Jesus, so my conscience does bother me. I can’t do those things because lying is not part of my Savior's character, and my goal is to follow Him (Ephesians 5:8-11). 

It’s natural for us to feel guilty when we violate God’s commands because a sense of right and wrong is written on our hearts (Romans 2:15). And when we become Christians, Christ gives us new hearts that are even more sensitive to sin. We don't want to sin because we love Jesus (1 John 5:3).

I’m glad my conscience bothers me. It’s a sign that I have Christ’s spirit. If I quit listening to my conscience, it "fades" and loses its power in my life. When a person ignores their conscience long enough, they lose all sensitivity to sin (1 Timothy 4:2).

So take time today to thank God for your conscience. It's a blessing because it's the way God keeps our fingers from the flames!

💙💙💙

For more insights, see Can We Afford It? It offers some interesting insights into shoplifting. 

If you've purchased Wisdom for Life, I suggest you read or reread Day 74 to reinforce the truths in this devotion. 💙 If you haven't purchased Wisdom for Life, check out the sales on Lifeway, Amazon, and CBD.

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