How Working Hard Connects Us To Giving More
Why do we work?
I was reading Ephesians 4 and I came across an interesting verse.
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” (Eph. 4:28)
It’s interesting that when Paul addresses the Ephesian church, God leads him to state that working is not for obtaining money to buy food and clothing, pay bills incurred or invest for the future.
Paul’s immediate thought after teaching the Ephesian church not to steal is to instead work so they can give to those in need. Think about it; God could have led Paul to give altrernate instruction.
Consider any of the following
- “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may be self-sufficient for their needs and wants.”
- “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may be held accountable to the bills being incurred.”
- “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may be able to save for the future.”
That’s not what God wanted.
I realize that most of you reading this post don’t need to hear a warning about stealing. However, Paul’s words to the Ephesian church should perk our attention to what is really important. Working hard isn’t for us; it’s for others.
May we work hard and give more, so that we can impact more lives positively, for Christ.
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- How balanced are you in working and giving?
- What would happen to our world if Christians’ primary reason for working was to have more to giveaway?
- What changes could you make to your work and finances to give more?
Hey Jeremy,
thank you for highlighting this passage as well as sharing your thoughts! It is indeed easy to abide by some of Moses’ commandments in their literal meaning, such as don’t steal. But abiding by them like Jesus talked about on the sermon on the mount, where he explained “thou shalt not kill” in MUCH more depth, is something else entirely. Jesus made it clear that we need not only purify our actions, but also our thoughts, motives and feelings.
There is definitely no shortage of great causes with which to share our earnings. Thanks again and God bless!
Richard, the one that worked with you briefly at the Calgary Marriott Residence Inn, in 2007.
Thanks for your comment Richard and thanks for reconnecting! It’s been a while. I hope you’re doing well! In regards to the topic at hand, you are SO right to bring up the other commandments. It’s really all about our heart-condition in why we would even desire the commandments. This conversation reminds me of the problem with asceticism that the Colossian church was having and that seem so prevalent in modern Christianity. Basically, our faith become a list of rules to follow instead of an out-pouring of our passion to love God and our neighbor as ourselves.