Shoplifting by poor OK

I read a story in the Denver Post today where an Anglican priest in England said it is okay for the poor to shoplift. Click here for the story.

The Rev. Tim Jones in a sermon to his congregation said, “it is sometimes acceptable for desperate people to shoplift something they really need — as long as they do it at large national chain stores, rather than small, family businesses.”

How considerate that he makes the distinction between large faceless corporations and someone you may know. I wonder how his ethical system comes up with that difference.

Here is a guy who is supposed to represent God and Bible but his feelings and ignorance get in the way.

My thoughts went to Proverbs 6:30-31: People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house. We may feel sorry for this person but stealing is still wrong and they will have to face the consequences.

The same ignorance can strike us if we fail to filter our thoughts by what the Bible says. We may know just enough to make us dangerous. Thoughts like, “how could a God of love send anyone to hell” or “divorce is an acceptable option because you are in a difficult marriage” or “it’s okay to steal some items from work because they don’t pay me enough”. The list is endless of ways we “soften” God’s word because it doesn’t apply in our situation or times have changed since it was written or it will make unbelievers think we are too harsh and out of touch.

Proverbs 12:10 says, the mercy of the wicked is cruel. Their good intentions end up causing harm to the ones they want to help.

If Tim Jones was a man of God he would instruct his congregation to walk with and trust God. Matthew 6:33 says: But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things (food, clothing and shelter) will be added to you. God doesn’t need sins help to provide for His people.

On the other hand, some people are just lazy or are making life choices that leave them needy. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 says: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. That hunger may motivate him to work if some well meaning person or politician doesn’t step in. True compassion sometimes requires us to take a step back and let God work.

Philip