Help the Thief

The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses nothing. The Fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. (Proverbs 29:24-25)

An employee of an air conditioning business fed me a lie about our A/C unit. I believed him and we almost got taken. By the grace of God, we were preserved. I contacted the owner of the business and he sounded legitimately concerned. But, as I followed up, he began to defend the lies of his employee who had worked for him for twenty years. I wonder how many customers have bought equipment they did not need. I originally went to the company because, years before, I had had good experience with a company that had the same name. But, it turns out that my previous experience was with a brother. Sadly, this owner has darkened the name of his family and is spoiling a good reputation.

It is easier to become a thief or a partner to a thief than we realize. Little compromises are all it takes. Doing nothing or maintaining silence can make us a partner in wrong doing. Cutting too many corners with a trusting customer, being too extravagant with our employer’s resources, or being silent about someone who does these things can lead to the loss of one our most valuable possessions – our good name.

When we find that we are roommates, brothers, or employees of a thief, we have a responsibility to go to him and encourage him to change his mind and his ways. But, we may eventually face the decision to either cover up sin or expose it. If we cover it up or justify it, we become partner to a thief. Fear that we will lose friendship or job may tempt us to keep silent. But, when the truth eventually comes out, those who remained silent will be treated as partners in the crime. God may have revealed the problem to us so that we can help the thief to find the paths of repentance, love and righteousness.

Project:

• Ask God to reveal how we may be partnering with a thief.
• Ask God or a wise counselor for help how to respond and do it.