Contemplative Bible Reading

Mark 10:19 (New Living Translation)

19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’

Jesus is talking to a good man about eternal life. Jesus repeats some of the old law to the man. Let’s focus on the next to last item—cheating anyone.

What does it mean to “cheat” someone? I see it all the time on those reality shows where people buy and sell old items. They find a treasure, buy it for $1, and then proclaim how they will be able to sell it for $10. Isn’t that cheating the original owner? Or is that just sales and marketing and value-added business? Where does smart business end and cheating begin?

Or how about pulling in front of someone in traffic so that you “make the light” and they are stuck for five minutes after the light turns red? Is that cheating them of time? You took their place in line, right? Or is that just smart driving?

When is it taking advantage of an opportunity and when is it cheating another person? I don’t like these questions. I have lived a blessed life. Have I reached this point by hard work or cheating others?

Please God, help me in my unbelief.