QUALITIES OF A NEW SELF (PART 3)

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In Christ, Mark

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The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

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.

Ephesians 4:28

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

“You shall not steal.” Exodus 20:15

It was a simple command, given by God to the Israelites via His servant Moses. A person was forbidden to take something that didn’t belong to them or pilfer an item without first paying for it.

This command has not changed since then and today it has a broader audience. For all people are expected by God to obey his order to not steal from others but unfortunately, there are still many people who choose to violate God’s order.

Why do people decide it’s okay to take things that they shouldn’t?

We find some insight as we turn to the words of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians, chapter 4 and add yet one more quality someone will exhibit if they have decided to put on a new self through Christ Jesus. Look again at his words here:

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. v.28

Note here that one of the primary reasons someone might steal is that they are too lazy to go out, get a job, and earn wages to pay for things themselves. Instead, they choose to take from people who have worked hard to gain the possessions they have.

As Paul writes to the Ephesian Christians, he exhorts the believers to get to work and do “something useful with their own hands”. If they had been stealing, they were to stop and turn to giving to others instead. Laboring for wages would not only allow the worker to pay their way but to make a difference in the life of someone in need.

And so we see the call here isn’t just to refrain from talking from others but to be charitable with gains from employment. Both are qualities of someone who has chose to follow Jesus, and in doing so, put on a new self.

Tomorrow, we’ll look at the matter of how we should talk to others.

Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

PS: Feel free to leave a comment and please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it. Send any prayer requests to Gods4all@aol.com