Work so we can give

Lest 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 needeth. – Ephesians 4.28

Why do you and I work? Why do we punch that clock or log in on the computer or get just get to work on our own? Why do we commute back and forth on the roads? Why do we travel or set up home offices or go to the classroom or the shop or whatever it is our job to do?

To put food on the table
To pay our bills
To provide for our families
To buy more stuff
To travel and holiday

Sure, all that and more.

But I’ll bet there is something we don’t normally thing about.

How about the notion that we work and earn wages so that we can give to those in need?

What? Is that really in there? I’m supposed to go to my job and earn my pay in order to give it away to somebody else? Really?

Well, that’s what is says here in black and white. It requires a whole rethink on jobs and possessions and priorities, doesn’t it? There is nothing wrong with having stuff. There is nothing wrong with having nice stuff.

The problem is when we never consider that part of why we earn money is to give it away to those who need it. God’s people are His way to take care of people. God rarely just gives people money or sets groceries in their house. He wants us to do it and He gives us work to pay for it.

I think we all need to examine our financial priorities.