Daily Devotional
Are You Stealing from God?
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
May 16, 2023
Ponder This
God’s Word says, “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). Do you know the worst thievery is to steal from God? And so many are stealing from God. You may ask, “How am I stealing from God?” Well, have you given Him your life? You belong to Him. You are His by creation. He made you. You are His by redemption. He died for you. And when you live your life for self alone, as if Jesus Christ never lived or died, you are a thief. You have taken from God that which belongs to Him. You walk God’s green Earth. You breathe God’s air. You live the life that God has given you, yet you don’t pour your life back out to God.
Do you know why we tithe? The tithe is a symbol that everything belongs to God. Don’t get the idea that 10 percent of what you have belongs to God. All you have belongs to God, because the One who owns the sheep owns the wool. When we steal—whether withholding tithe, doing a dishonest day’s work, failing to give love, or failing to honor God as we ought, we are ultimately robbing ourselves! It pays to serve Jesus—it pays every day and every step of the way. You have defrauded yourself. Ironically, in seeking to get, you’re the one who loses.
- What does it look like to live daily like you belong to God?
- What are some ways you have learned to glorify God with your body and your spirit?
Practice This
Speak to another Christian about how you may be stealing from God and from yourself. Encourage one another with practical ways you can live like you belong to God.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
