Jan 9 - Respecting Property: Gen 23-24; Matt 8

The eighth commandment assumes that God has given to human beings ownership of property. Of course, ultimately all property belongs to God. But He does call human beings to take dominion over the earth in His name (Gen 1:28-30). Which means we have a responsibility to care for God’s creation and also enjoy that creation. We are to steward this inheritance to God’s glory as well as to our own benefit.

When Abraham bought a burial plot for his wife, he respected the property rights of the Hittite people and insisted that he paid fairly for it. We should not take advantage of people no matter what reasonings we give ourselves. We should not steal.

Some have no problem not stealing physical property. Yet, when it comes to digital property, we excuse ourselves. The illegal downloads of movies, software, songs, books. How would it affect movie producers, programmers, artists and authors?

Be content and thankful with the property we have. Man can own private property but are to remember that God is the ultimate owner of creation and the one who has ultimate authority over it.

Lastly, we reflect on the faith that Abraham demonstrated in the covenant promises by buying his first property in the Promised Land even though he was just a sojourner. Do we have such a faith in the inheritance of the new heavens and new earth?

References:
John Frame, Doctrine of the Christian Life