Give Now

Don’t Embezzle What Belongs to God

Embezzlement is a serious crime, punishable by significant penalties in civil and criminal courts.

Embezzlement is the fraudulent conversion of another’s property by a person in a position of trust. In Joshua 7, we read about the “Sin of Achan,” possibly the first man in the Bible who attempted to embezzle from God. Achan stole God’s property and claimed it as his own. These were things devoted to God. Now a 4-step journey led to his embezzlement: he saw, then coveted, then took and finally hid. By standing accused before the assembly of Israelites, he had nowhere to hide. He knew he would receive a severe penalty for his sin, but he confessed the truth to give glory and honor to God. 

Now I doubt any of us would steal the tithes and offerings from a church, but when we describe money and possessions as “mine”, we operate as if we gained it by our own hands. In reality, we’re temporary trustees of all God entrusts to us. When King David received gifts for the building of the temple, he prayed: “Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything. Riches and honor come from You alone and you are the Ruler of all mankind. Your hand controls power and might, and it is at your discretion that men are made great and given strength.” (1 Chronicles 29:11-12) Meditating on scriptures like this enables us to resist the temptation to claim for ourselves that which belongs to God.

Now if credit card debt limits what you’re able to give, I recommend Christian Credit Counselors. They can create a debt management plan that will work for you. For more information call the Crown Helpline: 800-722-1976 or visit online at crown.org/ccc.