The 8th Commandment: Learning to Live with Open Hands

It’s amazing how subtly our culture can shape our thinking. I’ve lost count of how many movies I’ve watched over the years where the “hero” is actually a thief — Ocean’s Eleven, The Italian Job, Now You See Me, The Thomas Crown Affair.

You know the storyline: they’re charming, clever, witty, stylish — and stealing. But it’s okay, we’re told, because they’re stealing from “bad guys.” The not-so-subtle message is this:

If your motive is good, then your morality doesn’t matter.

But here’s the truth Scripture teaches us: motive does not cancel morality. God doesn’t just care why we do something — He cares what we do.

And that’s why the 8th Commandment still matters.
“You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15)

Cultural Glamourization of Theft

We live in a culture that glorifies shortcuts — shortcuts to success, wealth, status, happiness.

But God cares deeply about the process — not just the outcome. The world says, “Do whatever you must to get ahead.” Jesus says, “Trust Me. I am your provision.”

Proverbs 20:17 says, “Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.”

In other words, wrongdoing might feel good in the moment — but it will rot on your tongue in the end.

Sin always overpromises and underdelivers.

Trusting God as Our Source

One of the biggest underlying issues behind stealing is mistrust — believing that God won’t take care of me, so I must take care of myself.

But 1 Chronicles 29:12 reminds us that:

“Wealth and honor come from You… everything in heaven and earth is Yours.”

God owns everything. We’re not owners — we’re stewards. The moment I try to take what God hasn’t given, I’m telling Him I don’t trust His provision or His timing.

Stealing isn’t just a crime — it’s a theological statement about how we see God.

Work as a Source of Dignity

Ephesians 4:28 says this clearly:

“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work… that they may have something to share with those in need.”

Notice the shift:
Not “work so you can get ahead.”
Not “work so you won’t feel guilty.”
But work so you can give.

Work is not a curse — work is part of God’s original blessing.
Genesis 2:15 tells us that before sin ever entered the world, God placed Adam in the garden to work.

Work shapes character.
Work builds identity.
Work cultivates dignity.

Stealing takes — work creates.

The Harm of Stealing

Stealing is never just about the item taken.

It breaks trust.
It wounds relationships.
It fractures community.

Jesus told us plainly in John 10:10:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”

When we steal — in any form (physical, emotional, financial, digital, relational, spiritual) — we align ourselves with the wrong kingdom.

The kingdom of darkness takes.
The kingdom of God gives.

Living According to God’s Kingdom

The 8th Commandment isn’t just about not taking.

It’s about learning to live with open hands.
Open hands to receive from God.
Open hands to give to others.
Open hands that say, “Everything I have comes from Him — and belongs to Him.”

God’s kingdom is built on generosity — not scarcity.
On trust — not fear.
On giving — not grabbing.

When we live generously, we reflect the very heart of the One who gave everything for us.

Conclusion: We Were Made to Give, Not Take

The commandment, “You shall not steal,” is more than a rule — it’s an invitation.

An invitation to trust God’s provision.
An invitation to find dignity in our work.
An invitation to live as givers instead of takers.

We were created to live with hands open — not clenched. To participate in God’s generous kingdom — not in the enemy’s kingdom of scarcity.

If you’ve struggled in this area — physically, financially, emotionally, or even in subtle ways like envy or comparison — there is grace. God’s mercy restores what dishonesty destroys.

If you’d like to talk, pray, or work through what generosity and stewardship look like practically, I would love to walk with you.

Reach out to me at: pastorgreg@alpinebethel.org

Because generosity doesn’t just change others —
it changes us.