Being married to an Old Testament seminary teacher has led to many interesting discussions this year... From Noah being drunk and naked to the "Prince of Egypt" movie it's been fun to talk about what Jon is teaching his class.
They finally made it to Exodus and have been talking about the Ten Commandments... I always think of the 10 commandments as being so simple... But their implications and meaning are deep!
Jon shared this quote about stealing with me today from President Spencer W. Kimball, a prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints...
"In public office and private lives, the word of the Lord thunders: "Thou shalt not steal:... Nor do anything like unto it. (D&C 59:6)
We find ourselves rationalizing in all forms of dishonesty, including shoplifting, which is a mean, low act indulged in by millions who claim to be honorable, decent people.
Dishonesty comes in many other forms: in hijacking, in playing upon private love and emotions for filthy lucre; in robbing tills or stealing commodities of employers; in falsifying accounts; in taking advantage of tax paying people by misuse of food stamps and false claims; in taking unreal exemptions; in government or private loans without intent to repay; in unjust, improper bankruptcies to avoid repayment of loans; in robbing on the street or in the home money and other precious possessions; in stealing time, giving less than a full day of honest labor for a full day's compensation; in riding without paying the fare; and in all forms of dishonesty in all places and in all conditions.
To all theiveries and dishonest acts, the Lord says, 'Thou shalt not steal.' Four short common words he used. Perhaps He wearied of the long list He COULD have made of ways to steal, misrepresent, and take advantage, and he covered ALL methods of taking that which does not properly belong to one by saying, 'Thou shalt not steal.'"
I think that quote is amazing and a great wake up call. Definitely gonna think twice before I give only 90% at work ;)
I always think of stealing as 'shoplifting'- but it's so much than just those four words...
Interesting.
What do YOU think?
Awesome! I couldn't agree more! Dishonesty has weasled it's way into our society as "cool". Many think that if you can get something for nothing or if you can avoid paying for anything that you are smart. Such a good Post!
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