Moment of Meditation: Stealing from God (Matthew 7:12)

Original Broadcast: July 2010

Monthly Theme: Seventh Commandment

[Jesus said:] "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
(Matthew 7:12)

From God

We use this passage all the time to talk about how we should treat each other. But we seldom use it to see how we should treat God. Why is that? This month I want to talk to the thieves. Today, I want to talk specifically to those who steal from God.

How do you steal from God? Breaking His commandments. Showing Him no regard whatsoever. Making Him take a back seat to everything else in your life.

This is the biggest problem in millions of congregations throughout the country. People who want nothing to do with God except to be seen as being attached to a particular congregation. They steal God's glory by profaning His name by their lives. They want to be called Christians, but they won't come into Christ's assembly except for "special occasions."

How would you feel on Judgment Day if God said, "You wanted nothing to do with Me during your earthly life. I want nothing to do with you for eternity." This is exactly what Jesus means when He says, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness" (Matthew 7:23).

I'm begging you. "Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" (Joel 2:13). Return and repent of stealing His glory. He has promised to forgive you, but you must do it while there is still time. On Judgment Day, there will be no second chance. Return to Him where He wants His people to assemble. Amen.