Why work?

Many of us would never steal anything from anyone. Right? Have you ever made a little cash on the side and didn’t turn it in as income? That wasn’t a nice question was it? I think if we are honest we’ve all done something to gain for ourselves that we wouldn’t want anyone to know. In Ephesians 4 there’s a heading in my Bible that’s called instructions for Christian living. It starts at verse 17 but verse 28 stood out to me this morning. It says anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer but must work, doing something useful with their hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Wow! I want to note that Paul is talking with believers here. Stealing at its root is a problem. When we take something we haven’t earned it shows how greedy and lazy we are. But notice in this verse it doesn’t just stop with the stealing issue. It tells us to work. Now many of us consider ourselves good workers. I know I do. But why do we work? To make a living for ourselves and our family. Right? To be able to live the life we want. Right? Why does God tell us to work? In this verse it’s very clear. So we have something to share with those in need!! It says nothing about spending our extra on ourselves because we’ve worked hard and earned it. We have been told by society to get all we can because we are worth it. Listen. I’m as guilty as anyone on this, and I’m not saying we cant have nice things but it’s our responsibility as followers of Christ to help those who are in need. There’s plenty of need around us. We just have to notice. Then act. Instead of working for ourselves and always having ourselves in mind we should be working so that we can share with others! In this way we will have the great opportunity to share the love of our Savior with others too!! Lord, all we have is yours. You gave us the ability to work and earn all that we have. In a moment it could be gone but you have blessed us. Help us to remember those in need and look for the chance to give!
When you work for God’s purposes it’s must more enjoyable than working for your own!! Have a great day!!