“STEAL NO MORE”

“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.”

Ephesians 4:28

Everywhere you go, stealing is universally regarded as a violation of the law. Taking things belonging to others has corresponding consequences depending on the degree, whether it’s larceny, identity theft, grand theft, heist, robbery, fraud, or carjacking.

For example, petty theft is considered a felony in Turkey, and depending on the circumstances, a thief could end up in jail for up to 20 years, in addition to labor or hefty fines. In France, petty theft can cost as much as 45,000 Euros and up to 3 years of imprisonment. (Source: Punishment for Petty Theft Around the World by Daniel Jones)

The truth is that, even without these laws that govern theft, every person, deep in his heart, knows that stealing is wrong; it is a violation and therefore deserves punishment.

As we continue our study on this passage in Ephesians 4, we learn that Paul is telling the believers in the large city of Ephesus that part of declining to give the Devil a foothold is to avoid stealing. Being a populous city (about 200,000), Ephesus was likely to have experienced theft, mainly from slaves and those who could not support themselves.

Paul may be commanding the Ephesians to stop stealing and earn honest money. Perhaps among these believers were previously thieves. The Apostle tells them that instead of committing a felony, they should find a job and work hard. The purpose is to provide for their families and help those in need. This sets the bar for Christian productivity.

What is Paul teaching us today? I want to share a few insights on this matter.

First, we should not be a burden to anyone (mainly those of age and able to work) and earn a living. In so doing, we are reminded to be honest in our dealings—whether we’re managing a business or making money through employment, we must treat our source of income honestly. This reminds me of Paul’s admonition to tell the truth to one another because we belong to one body.

Second, being productive provides for our personal needs and allows us to do something useful with our hands. God has uniquely blessed us with gifts and talents to be a blessing to others and bring glory to His name.

Last, we can’t afford to be lazy (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Being unproductive is a character unbecoming of a Christian and is detestable to God. We should not be a burden to others. God blesses us with strength and opportunities to be helpful, and we should take advantage of them. He saved us not only to escape His judgment but also to do good works.

If God blessed you with a livelihood, let me encourage you to do your work with all honesty. Do your job not only to keep yourself employed and stay on your boss’s payroll but also to honor God and be a blessing to others.

Pursue the Savior today!

Photo by Jannis Edelmann on Unsplash