We are still in the second table of the Law and the keeping of the Law is spiritual. And only the love of Christ can keep this commandment unlike just worldly adherence. "But the love of God is manifested in us" to the neighbor. We are pointed positively also as the Law is broad and we just further and prosper the brother.

The basis is simple and straightforward. The earth is the Lords and ALL that it contains. He is the OWNER and has claim to EVERYTHING before it is given to us. (10% represents fullness) Everything is Gods and we return everything back unto the Lord and His Kingdom! All things belong to God and none of us are primary holders of it, but are only stewards and caretakers in the house of God to facilitate His glory. He also distributes these things as He sees fit (in time, talents, and even riches) in His wisdom. Essentially we are stealing from God as it is God who distributes in His good pleasure as He sees fit when we touch a neighbor in the possessions with which he has been given.

There is a calling here. The catechism gives us warnings as our nature is jealous of others possessions. There are also other things that we "think" we can "pass by" the Lord. We may not do by false weights or even a show of right. We have the flesh to deal with that looks favorably on these things too. We are therefore warned negatively also against these things. The world sees these things as the end means and stealing is almost looked over and even accepted now days...and it is difficult not to accept the world's views with out flesh. We must see these things as a MEANS to the glory of God and know that whether He gives, takes things away, or does not give at all, He does this to His glory and for His pleasure and purpose. We are then content as the Lord gives to us that we may RE-INVEST them into the kingdom! Man returns to the earth in death and the only thing that matters is the kingdom and glory of God! Read Malachi..."why are you robbing God as you keep to yourselves...?"

There is a blessing. Our ancestors use to put that which was needed for the church and schools FIRST and they found blessing. That is how the Lord works....and respecting the neighbor. There is not just the taking, but also the PROMOTING of our neighbor.