I’ve explained thievery to my son this way. When you steal from someone, you’re not just taking “stuff”. Someone spent time out of their life to work to get that “stuff”, time that they can never, ever get back.
So while whatever you stole may be replaceable, the time it took for them to earn the money to buy that stuff isn’t replaceable, ever. God isn’t going to say “Oh, someone stole your car and it took you 3 years to earn the money to pay for it so I’m going to add 3 extra years to your life.” That ain’t the way it works.
Theft isn’t just taking someones stuff, it’s stealing time out of their life and it’s long past time we start looking at it that way.
“Theft isn’t just taking someones stuff, it’s stealing time out of their life and it’s long past time we start looking at it that way.”
Bravo. Nailed it.
Might I add that having to live in fear is the antithesis of living in freedom. Some might see not having to lock your house or car as stupid, but many of us grew up in neighborhoods where this was the norm.
We were safe in our knowledge that it was unnecessary. And it was no coincidence that neighbors looked out for each other, and almost all were armed.
Peace of mind is a wonderful thing.
I really like the way you put that. But, it's more than just time, it's also a matter of what sacrifices did they make, not only in time, but things they either did without - or cut back on; in order to pay for that 'thing'. Was this sacrifice skimping on meals? Bypassing a family get-together? Doing without a vacation? Working over-time, or double-shifts?
But, you are 100% correct. The rightful owner spent hours of his life to buy the origional, that can never be replaced. Plus, some number of hours working with the police/insurance getting it back. And untold more hours worrying what else will be taken, when, and how they will be taken next time.