The Small Catechism – part 88
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:28
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, The Seventh Commandment
You shall not steal.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not rob our neighbors of their money or property or take from them by unfair dealing or fraud, but help them to improve and protect their property and means of making a living.
Pulling It Together: Again, the keeping of the commandments begins with the fear and love of God. Nevertheless, we cannot perfectly keep this Seventh Commandment any more than we can perfectly love God. So, there will be failure, trespass, sin. Still, some considerable progress may be made with this commandment. There is something that may be done to help observe this commandment more completely. Get a job! This is a good beginning at not stealing. It is not the complete answer, but laboring hard, toiling until weary, is honest and wearisome. It leaves little room for getting into trouble. It also provides an income so that one need be not overly concerned about having enough for personal needs. Indeed, one might even discover he is in a position to benefit others.
Prayer: Lord God, give me honest labor that I may honor you in my vocation. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
Share this post
Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
Click Here For Content Archives