Read
–4–
28Don't move a boundary marker
set up by your ancestors.
Reflect
When was the last time you stole something? We all remember times when we were little and stole a cookie out of mom’s cookie jar, or telephone wire from Bell Telephone for our home made sling shots (don’t ask). But that was a long, long time ago. And the desire to take someone else’s stuff does start when we are young, right? Just watch two children playing and see how long it is before there is a conflict over a toy or doll or…
Yet most of us probably steal far more often than we care to think. The Teacher in this passage instructs us not to move an ancient boundary marker and so steal our neighbour’s property. This is a clear manipulative act designed to move some of my neighbour’s property into the realm of my property. But all property isn’t physical property is it? How about intellectual property? Ever quote somebody and fail to give proper credit for the idea? Or someone gave you too much change back and…you kept it? Or you manipulated a conversation so that you looked good and someone you were talking about looked bad (and so you stole their reputation).
There are so many ways that I can steal something from somebody. I can take credit for something they did, or steal their friend, or steal their work. I can take their position, their dignity or their emotional peace. What motivates me to do such things? Part of it is that desire to have what someone else has. Perhaps part of it is jealousy that desires to elevate myself by lowering another. Yet I serve a giving God. He never steals from us – he gives us good gifts that we do not deserve. Our enemy is a thief – he steals joy, peace . . . life itself. I want to be known as a giver, not a stealer – a reflection of my God, not my enemy!
Respond
Oh Lord please make me a giver like you. May I not manipulate circumstances and people in order to acquire someone else’s glory or reputation. Help me by your Spirit to be satisfied with all that you have given me. May I be known as a generous follower of Christ who gives away my things, credit, accolades . . . may I be like your Son who did not cling to these things but emptied himself. May I not be a thief, but a generous giver like you. Amen.
Bill Taylor
Bill Taylor has been the Executive Director of the Evangelical Free Church since 2008. He previously serviced as pastor of Saskatoon Evangelical Free Church followed by District Superintendent of the Alberta Parkland District. He is a member of the National Mission LeadershipTeam, the International Mission Leadership Team and the Ministerial Standing Committee. He represents the Free Church on various Boards and Committees in Canada, the USA and overseas. Bill and his wife, Deb, have two daughters and one son-in-law. Publications: “From Childhood to Adolescence” - the history of the Evangelical Free Church of Canada from 1984 to 2005.