August 24, 2003

Rev. Rurel Ausley

To Each His Own
Exodus 20:1-17

1. Have you ever had something stolen from you? How did you feel? Have you ever stolen anything? How did you feel after stealing it? How does the prohibition against stealing reflect the character of God? What is that characteristic of God? When we are honest and have integrity how does that reflect the character of God?

2. How would you define "stealing"? Make sure your definition is broad-based! (In other words, it’s not just armed robbery of a bank!) What are possible motivations behind stealing? If you had to pin down one primary motivation, what would it be? In what various ways might the attitude of "getting something for nothing" express itself?

3. Can you help me think for a moment about the many things that would constitute stealing? Try to name as many as you can and discuss why that particular activity constitutes stealing. The seven that I discuss in the sermon are: 1) outright robbery, 2) shoplifting, 3) cheating (school, income tax, etc.), 4) lying in business, 5) concealing the truth, 6) gambling, and 7) stealing from God. (Malachi 3:8-10) Which of these would constitute the greater offense??

4. The real issue here is honesty versus dishonesty. Read Luke 16:10. What does that have to say about honesty and dishonesty in little things? What happens when we face bigger things and aren't honest in the little things? When we are guided by "principle," in what situations would we be honest? Why is it easier to show integrity in the small things? (Is it easier to turn in a $1 bill or a $100 bill?) If one is dishonest even about the $1 then what does that say about one's motivation and principles?

5. So, now I want to move to discussing the "small stuff.” This is where most of us live anyway…dealing with the small stuff. What are some of the small things that we face on a daily basis in which we might act dishonestly yet still appear to be honest regarding the larger, more important things? For instance, what about the integrity of paying small debts? Borrowing a little from someone? What about offering unfair wages to employees because they have to have the job? What about motel towels? Street signs? Things at your workplace? Finding things that people might have lost? Mistakes made in your favor at the checkout? (How rare is this?? Ha!) Not declaring taxable income? Overstating deductions? Wasting time on the job? Discuss this statement: "The real state of a person's heart is often seen more clearly in smaller things than in greater things."

6. What should one do if he or she is guilty of stealing something? (Luke 19:1-10)