1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
God’s Word says, “Thou shalt 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?
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.
This devotional was written by Pastor/teacher Adrian Rogers. The Copyright owner is Love Worth Finding. Used with written permission. You may contact lwf.org and be blessed directly and freely by Biblical teaching.
