Ephesians 4:28 “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.”
The Christian life is about living DIFFERENTLY from how a person lived before being a Christian. The Book of Ephesians speaks of our past life being radically changed by Christ as we go from being dead to being alive. It then speaks of our present life, where we are living radically differently.
I use the word “radically” because of a verse like Ephesians 4:28. In this verse, we start with a person who is a thief who is TAKING from others, and we end up with not only a person EARNING an honest living for themselves but a GIVER who is generous and helping others. In this one verse, we see a changed, a radically changed person. One might even say this person is TRANSFORMED! The TAKER becomes a WORKER who is a GIVER! This is a 180-degree turn.
For me, two things stand out from Ephesians 4:28.
This verse reminds us of how Christ changes a person’s life when He comes into their life. If you are in Christ, you should have a testimony of a CHANGED and a CHANGING life. How did Christ change your life? How is He changing your life?
Secondly, if you are stealing, being a TAKER, you are to STOP and go find a job. Income is to be gained with industry and integrity. Then, as you work to earn a living and be a provider for you and your family, you are not to be a KEEPER but a GIVER. You stop harming others and start working so you can help others.
This is not the only time the Apostle Paul addressed the subject of WORK. Notice:
1 Thessalonians 4:11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,
2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
2 Thessalonians 3:12 Now, such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
Christ Changes us!
Continue Strong living radically differently as a believer,
And remember to DATE the Word