Dirk Taljaard

Reading from Scripture

Exodus 20:15

Do not steal.

The Psalmist claims that everything belongs to God (24:1). He gave man the responsibility to enjoy all of it, but also to take care of it on His behalf. This principle is referred to as stewardship. The sad truth is that not all people share this equally – neither the opportunities, nor the responsibilities.

The imbalance in distribution of wealth and possessions in society is obvious. One can offer many reasons to explain this phenomenon, but it doesn’t narrow or eliminate the gap between the haves and the have-nots.

Some people would like to see it as part of creation: people had different professions and hence their accumulation of wealth set them apart. Others would argue that opportunities seized by some gave them the head start.

Whatever the reasons, Christians have the biggest challenge and responsibility facing them, today more than ever: to take care of each other. This has to be effected in a world hampered and smothered by selfishness and own interest at all cost. Yet, we have the calling to look after others who have difficulty in going it alone. Our unemployment figure of 25% plus is extremely worrying. There are many people longing to find work, without any opportunity to do so.

And what is our reaction as Christians? What attempts do we make to alleviate the situation? Are we prepared to share with others what we have in abundance? Or do we withhold (steal) their chances?

Jesus Christ taught us to pray for our daily bread. We find many people who are too lazy to work and then they ‘support’ themselves by taking from others. Other people just earn too little to make a decent, humane living and they resort to all forms of begging. Still others can’t stop themselves from accumulating riches and luxuries and would sacrifice almost anything to acquire and retain those – even at the expense of others in need.

How will you go about your life today? How do you view your possessions? How are you inclined towards those who do not share your fortunate position?

Dear Lord, give me my daily bread so that I can share with those who are starving. Amen.