Sin is never satisfied. Its greed keeps growing “with a continual lust for more” (Ephesians 4:19). When you let the old sinful nature live again, it deceives you and destroys you. Therefore you must “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires” (Ephesians 4:22). This means more than ceasing selfish activity. It means getting involved, becoming active in selfless service to others.14
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).
Some early Christians saw no value in working for a living. Perhaps they expected Jesus to return immediately. Almost certainly they took advantage of others, living off generous brothers and sisters. But Paul laid down this rule: “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). He commanded Christians to “earn their own living” (2 Thessalonians 3:12).
…and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).
He also commanded Christians to stay away from members who disobeyed in this matter (2 Thessalonians 3:14). From the beginning, God has made productive work important.15 Whether working for ourselves or as servants for others, we aim to please our true Master.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ (Col 3:23-24). M
It is true that hard work often brings its own material and social rewards.16 Whether we enjoy success or not, we must keep our hearts free from greedy thoughts and motives.17
But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness (1 Timothy 6:8-11).
Jesus plainly states, “You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24). When we seek money or the things it buys more than we seek God’s reign over us,18 we worship a detestable idol. “Put to death… covetousness which is idolatry (Colossians 3:1,5). 19 Flee from idolatry! 20
14. Proverbs 21:26; 31:8,20; Acts 20:35; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 5:8
15. Research Subject – Productive work: Genesis 2:15; 3:23; Exodus 20:9; Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:5; Ecclesiastes 2:24; 3:22; 9:10; Jeremiah 29:4-7; Matthew 25:14-30; Acts 20:35; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8; Revelations 7:15
16. Proverbs 10:4; 12:11,14,24; 13:4; 14:23
17. Research Subject – Money and motives: Exodus 18:21; 20:17; Psalm 119:36; Ecclesiastes 5:10,13; Isaiah 1:23; Jeremiah 6:13; Ezekiel 22:12; 33:31; Matthew 16:26; Mark 7:21-22; Luke 12:15-34; John 6:27; 1 Thessalonians 2:5; 1 Timothy 2:3,8; Titus 1:7,11; 2 Timothy 3:2; Hebrews 13:5; James 4:2,13; 1 Peter 5:2; Jude 1:11
18. Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:29-31 cf. Jesus’ challenge in Matthew 19:16-24
19. cf. Ephesians 5:5; Job 31:24-28; Psalm 10:3-4; Matthew 13:22; Philippians 3:19