In March 2014, Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church released a statement to church members saying that cash, cheques, and credit card information was stolen from the church’s safe. The amount stolen totaled $600,000 both in cash and cheques. In a recent development, a plumber who was hired by the church for some repairs noticed some tiles about to give way. On probing further, he found about 500 envelopes stuffed with cash and cheques hidden behind those tiles. Investigators are now wondering whether this find has anything to do with the theft reported about seven years ago.

When news of this nature hits the stand, an average believer screams blue murder. People of faith will find it difficult to explain why some will be so daring as to steal from church coffers. What is often forgotten is that that is not the only way to defraud God. Malachi was a post-exilic prophet. Through him, the Lord protested against the children of Israel, wondering at their temerity to steal from Him. When they probed such incredulous allegation, the Lord told them that they defrauded Him in tithes and offerings. Stealing from God isn’t only by taking from the offering plate, it also covers what we fail to put into it. In addition, putting what is disproportionate to God’s blessing in our lives is stealing too. Finally, God’s word says we should not forsake the assembling together with other saints. Time of corporate worship before God is commanded. When we do not spend the requisite time in His presence, we steal from Him. Too many professing believers are stealing steadily from God. Without knowing, they open the door to devourers.