From your daily Netflix film, your corporate conversation with a colleague, or an advertisement you see on your way to work, everything constantly feeds us the idea that we need more—more money, more success, more possessions. At times, it can be convincing to believe that our current possessions are insufficient. That mindset, if left unchecked, can lead to desperate decisions and impulsive reactions. Robberies happening around the world are a wake-up call, not just about crime but about something deeper: our understanding of ownership, trust in God’s provision, and, more importantly, the role of family in shaping values that prevent these choices in the first place.
Theft: A Violation of Trust
Do you remember the commandment, “Thou shalt not steal” (Exodus 20:15, KJV)? It is a mirror of God's will for us to live with integrity and regard for one another. When we take what doesn’t belong to us, we not only break a moral law but also break trust—both with others and with God.
Ellen G. White puts it this way: “He who truly fears God would rather toil day and night and eat the bread of poverty than to indulge the passion for gain that oppresses the widow and fatherless or turns the stranger from his right.” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 144.2).
But why do people steal? Often, it’s because of a perceived need—an empty stomach, unpaid bills, or simply the desire to have more. But beneath the surface, the issue is more than just need. These things happen when we don’t take care of what we have wisely.
Another element of this issue is how a person views finances, employment, and honesty depending on their familial dynamics.
Stealing is a Symptom, Not the Root Problem
Most theft-related crimes come from discontentment, unhappiness, desperation, and a lack of moral direction.
The Bible reminds us, “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” (Haggai 2:8, KJV)
Everything we have ultimately belongs to God. If we believe that He is our Provider, why should we feel envious of or grab what belongs to another? We are encouraged to believe that He will meet all our needs, not turn to dishonest methods (Philippians 4:19).
Ellen G. White further states, “True success in any line of work is not the result of chance or accident or destiny. It is the outworking of God’s providences, the reward of faith and discretion, of virtue and perseverance.” (A Call to Stand Apart, p. 56.1)
This emphasizes a very important point: success isn’t about how much money is in your wallet but about having the correct values and character in life. And where do we learn values? At home.
Family: The Foundation of Strong Moral Values
The first teachers for a child are their parents. Children's image of work and honesty is shaped by their family's practices, handling of problems, and teaching of responsibility. Growing up in an atmosphere where financial hardships result in dishonesty or where material riches is prized more than integrity could cause a child to believe that "getting ahead" is more vital than doing what is right.
Strong family ties are stressed in the Adventist Family Ministries. Families can build trust and responsibility in their children by encouraging open communication, stewardship, and spiritual direction, guiding their avoidance of future desperate decisions.
How Families Can Prevent This Cycle
Stealing starts with an empty heart, not with an empty pocket. Many who turn to thievery do so because they feel they lack something basic—money, security, or a feeling of fulfillment—not because they are lazy. Families, however, are crucial in forming a perspective that favors integrity above financial success. Families can help to avoid the kind of desperation that results in dishonesty by encouraging satisfaction, responsibility, and faith.
Teaching Contentment and Gratitude
In a society that relentlessly promotes consumerism, one can easily feel that having more makes one happy. Promoted as symbols of success, the newest phone, designer clothing, and lavish accessories make many people feel inadequate without them.
Parents have a vital role in teaching their children that gratitude is more valuable than possessions. Instead of focusing on what they lack, families should cultivate an atmosphere of thankfulness, recognizing the blessings they already have. Parents can teach their children that the happiness and tranquility that result from depending on God's provision define riches rather than what they own by leading a simple and appreciative lifestyle.
The Bible reminds us of this truth: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7, KJV)
Children who grow up in a household that values thankfulness above greed are less prone to being caught in the trap of always wanting more and have a heart that resists the need to grab what isn’t theirs.
Promoting Honest Work and Financial Responsibility
Many times, stealing is a shortcut—a means of acquiring something without having to work for it. Teaching children the value of diligence and financial responsibility will help them avoid this attitude most of all.
Children should learn early to work for what they want rather than relying on others. Little chores like housekeeping, saving allowance money, or volunteer work help to teach the lesson that work results in benefits. They will be less likely to pursue dishonest shortcuts when they feel the gratification of obtaining something sincerely.
Teaching children how to save, budget, and spend sensibly also helps to avoid later in life financial misbehavior. Many who steal do so out of need and because they lack financial education. Early financial discipline instruction for children helps families position them for a future of financial stability rather than desperation.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of hard work and honesty: “A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” (Proverbs 28:20, KJV)
Prioritizing Family Worship and Bible-Based Values
Developing a strong spiritual foundation is the best method to avoid dishonesty, even beyond imparting knowledge on financial responsibility and contentment. Children who grow up understanding that God supplies for His people are less prone to feel the urge to take something not theirs. A young person who knows God loves and cares for them learns to rely on His provision instead of using dishonest ways of advancement.
Daily family worship, prayer, and Bible study teach biblical principles that, as children develop, act as a moral compass. These times help young people to realize that honesty counts since God watches every activity even when nobody else is watching. Families that routinely spend time together in worship deepen their relationship and reinforce principles that will direct kids all their lives.
The Bible offers a simple but powerful promise: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6, KJV)
A child raised in a home where honesty, faith, and trust in God are emphasized is far less likely to make choices that lead to dishonesty or theft.
The Consequences of Stealing
In the digital era, "small" acts of dishonesty—such as piracy, cheating, or resource abuse—often go underappreciated as inoffensive. Still, simply because something is simple to get away with does not make it right. Clearly the Bible states, "Be sure your sin will find you out." (KJV) Numbers 32:23
Even if no one sees, God does. And the burden of guilt, broken trust, and consequences that follow is never worth it.
How Adventist Family Ministries Can Help
The Adventist Family Ministries exists to strengthen homes and communities by promoting biblical values and practical guidance for raising responsible, God-fearing individuals. Through seminars, financial management workshops, and marriage and parenting programs, the ministry helps families navigate challenges and teaches young people how to make wise choices—even in financial struggles.
A well-supported, spiritually grounded family can reduce the chances of children making destructive choices, including stealing. By nurturing a home filled with love, respect, and biblical principles, we create an environment where honesty and trust thrive.
Choosing a Life of Integrity
Christ’s followers are meant to live differently. We are asked to believe in God's faithfulness rather than to seek shortcuts. When resources are tight, instead of resorting to illegal means, let's pray, labor hard, and believe in His promises.
Although theft would appear like a short fix, integrity is the long-term investment that produces provision and enduring peace. Let us choose to be good stewards, honoring God and our fellow humans.
Ultimately, true riches we should seek are a character reflecting Christ rather than worldly goods. And one develops such quality at home.