The command to not steal, and the entirety of Old Testament case law which defines the command, is about so much more than not taking something that belongs to someone else. When we really understand what’s behind this command, we see that God is trying to move us away from something (stealing and fraud) and he’s moving us toward something. We see it in this short verse in Ephesians 4.
Here we see the command to stop stealing and get a job. The reason is so “that they may have something to share with those in need” (Ephesians 4.28). From thief to philanthropist. Stealing to generosity. Essentially, we’re becoming more like the Christ.
Today, begin to increase your level of generosity. It doesn’t have to be something big, but make it be something tangible. Find someone who needs something you have and give it to them. Your generosity moves you closer to becoming more like the Christ.
