The Christian Lives Radically Different

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.”

Becoming a Christian and living the Christian life is about living differently. 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 verses like Ephesians 4:28. In this verse we start with a person who is a thief and is taking from others and we end with a giver who is generous and helping others.  In this one verse, we see a radically changed person.  One might even say this person is transformed!

Going into the verse a little deeper the Apostle Paul is teaching in Ephesians 4 about how a Christian does live.  As a new person in Christ, one does not steal.  Reading that should bring to your mind the 8th Commandment of the Ten Commandments.  It says, “You shall not steal.” Stated in the negative we look at it from the positive.  A person is to value and respect the possessions of others!! 

Paul’s instructions to the believer is to have a noticeable, if you will, radical change. The one who has been stealing is no longer stealing but working.  The one stealing from others is now to earn a living by industry and integrity. (working with your hands what is good. They are not to be a taker but a worker!  

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.

Now Paul instructs the new person in Christ to really think and live differently.  He not only tells the thief to stop taking he instructs them to change from harming others but to be helpful to others.   While earning a living and providing for oneself and for one’s family the new person is earning to have something to give to someone in need! The one who was a taker before Christ is now a giver!!!! 

For me, two things stand out from Ephesians 4:28.  

This verse reminds us of how Christ radically changes a person’s life.  If you are in Christ you should have a testimony of a changed and a changing life.  

Secondly, if you are stealing, being a taker, you are to stop and go find a job. Then, as you work to earn a living and be a provider, you are not to be a keeper but a giver. You are instructed from this verse to be working so you can help others.  

Continue Strong living radically differently as a believer,
And remember to DATE the Word

Bonus: In the 4th month of the year, April, we are extending a 4 x 4 challenge and encouraging you to read a chapter 4 each day of April.  For April 28 we challenge you to read Zechariah 4.