βLet him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needethβΒ (EphesiansΒ 4:28).
On this Labor Day, we talk about work,Β βthe thing which is good.β
In this day and age of increasing βgovernment assistance,β people are becoming less and less aware ofΒ ourΒ hard work beingΒ the Lord JesusβΒ preferred method of the source of our incomes. While the physically and mentally disabled are obvious exceptions, the God of the Bible expects all of us to contribute labor in order to provide for ourselves. For children and young adults, even being a student in school is work enough!
Observe the doctrine being communicated in todayβs Scripture. The grace life does not merely teach us toΒ quit doing bad things, but it also instructs us toΒ start doing good thingsΒ (TitusΒ 2:11,12). Once a thief trusts the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished crosswork as sufficient payment for his sins, then God expects that thief to quit stealing and find a job so he can provide for his needs!
The God of creation calls workΒ βthe thing which is goodβΒ (todayβs Scripture). Work isΒ not something to be avoided; it is something to be embraced for the Lordβs glory!
When the Lord Jesus Christ put the first man, Adam, on earth, that man had a divine commission. Adam was not to simply loaf around and do nothing:Β βAnd the LORD God took the man, and put him in the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep itβΒ (GenesisΒ 2:15). Adam was to protect that garden, to till its ground, to prepare it for Jesus Christ to come down and dwell in with he and Eve (because of sin, that earthly kingdom over which Jesus Christ will rule isΒ stillΒ awaiting fulfillment!).
Saints, may we work to provide for our families (1 Timothy 5:8), and may we work to help those whoΒ trulyΒ are needy (todayβs Scripture).Β In the words of God the Holy Spirit,Β thatisΒ βgood!β source
