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A statistic caught my eye this week: Ninety percent of us commit theft when presented with a suitable item and a chance of getting away with it. (I paused. I read it again.) Even in the upside-down craziness of our world today, I was saddened. 

The article further stated that so called “shrinkage” (theft of goods from stores) was not about one’s character but one’s situation. Numbers further indicated that shoplifting is a distant second to employee theft. Income was not an indicator of probability, but employees’ lack of supervision of the “crime scene” was. Really? 

Theft is now labeled “shrinkage” and the honor system is an ancient relic. Stealing because one “feels” treated unfairly appears to be more of a preschool tactic than a corporate practice model to me.                                                                                               

I’m old school. I taught with chalk. I’ll never see “theft” as acceptable, and I’m guessing you don’t either. I would hope that believers were not a part of those findings. Sadly, I believe we might actually engage in “shrinkage” of a different sort. Stay with me here . . .   

In a world sloshing over with anger, finger pointing, accusations, and judgment, we might easily default to “shrinkage” to self-protect and fly under the radar of a culture growing in chaos. That’s explainable, but is it biblical? Living in light of Christ’s return should be a life of hope intentionally on display to a dark and evil world. Even if we appear to be occupying the visitor’s inferior stands in the game of life, team integrity should be impeccable. 

After all, we know whose divine jersey we are wearing, and the fat lady doesn’t need to sing to alert us to the winning score. Certainly the slanted media, the biased announcers, and the greedy bookies may be leaning toward the home team overflowing the stands with their anti-God worldview. But wait. God has never needed a late inning closer, overtime, or video support to enhance His odds at winning. Don’t shrink when worldly heat and pressure are applied. Don’t cave to the culture that screams “Steal what you can; everyone does it!” Don’t mimic the foolish even when you’re outnumbered and disrespected! 

Jesus’ example has always been love + truth = a changed heart. Christ lived and died in perfect manhood for you and me. 

It’s your earthly assignment to represent Jesus well . . . no shrinkage allowed. 

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