Work for a giving
Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Ephesians 4:28
Have you ever heard the saying working to make a living? I think we all have heard this statement in some form or another. It means I go to work everyday so I can make enough money to support a certain lifestyle that I want to have. That could be to support a family or some other thing that is a priority in life. It is a good goal for sure and I am not making little of it in any way. I believe we all should work and contribute to the society we live in.
Today’s verse puts an interesting spin on that saying. It instructs us, first of all that we shouldn’t steal and hopefully none of us have that in our background, but if for some reason it is there, here is a redeeming quality. Quit stealing from others and begin to labor, working with your hands at something that is good for those around you. However, the reason is not so that you can live, but rather so you can give. Give to those in need or give to those who cannot go to work for themselves. This isn’t to say that you have to give everything you earn away, it is merely a mind set that you are working to have enough to support your needs and the needs of some that are unable to work, either temporarily or permanently.
This is God’s true plan for a thriving society. Instead of becoming dependent on the government, God made a plan that His people would take care of their own and those around them. His people would be the ones reaching out to the needy. In that way, you can bring more into the kingdom instead of having more dependent on the welfare system. God planned that we would come along side of those who are down and help them get back on their feet again. The truth is that those who are dependent on others to take care of their needs are those who don’t understand that God is the One that supplies every need according to His riches in glory (Phil. 4:19).
Today I want to encourage you to work for a giving. If you are in a place right now that you are unable to work because of a physical problem, reach out to God today to empower you to get back on your feet again. Then get out there and help others find the answers you have found in trusting Him by coming along beside them and helping them through until they are on their feet again. Don’t get stuck in the world mentality that someone else should take care of me, ask God to help you find just the right place to labor and work with your hands so that you have something to give others that are in need.
Today’s scripture reading: Ephesians 4:25-32
The Daily Dose 