But perhaps the most damning indictment of the evil of stealing is when we consider the fact that the greatest sin of all time, the betrayal of Christ, was in effect an act of man-stealing by Judas Iscariot, who sold Jesus to the Jews for thirty pieces of silver.

…he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it (John 12:6b).^NKJV

We often consider stealing to be a minor sin.  Especially if it is only shaving a few dollars off of our tax returns, borrowing a few items from work, adding a few minutes on our timecards, remaining a little longer after our break ends, taking someone else’s time by being negligently late for an appointment, gaining influence or favor through manipulation, guilt, flattery, or intimidation, plagiarizing from the internet, stealing from big corporations or the rich, keeping back the love, kindness, and generosity that we as Christians owe to all people, or even removing a few coins from the money box now and then.  As stated in a recent movie, “Everyone steals.”

Some of our biggest heroes are thieves.  From Robin Hood to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, to Captain Jack Sparrow, we love thieves.  They are dashing, daring, intriguing, cool, clever, and always one step ahead of the law.  Going back to at least the tale of Prometheus stealing fire from the gods, mankind has always had a love affair with thieves (that is, as long as it’s not our stuff being stolen!).  Plus, seeing how corrupt big business and government are, why shouldn’t the little guy grab his piece of the pie when he has the opportunity and ability?  Coming on the heels of “Thou shalt not murder,” and “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” stealing does not look too bad.

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