March 10th, 2023
by Steve Marshall
by Steve Marshall
March 3, 2018
Hey GCT: Why does God make such a big deal about Christians being free from any kind of stealing? Because, God really dislikes stealing. In fact He dislikes it so much He made it the subject of one of the Ten Commandments for every generation of all time - Commandment #8: Do Not Steal.
But why? Because stealing is the absolute antithesis of the character and image of God. Our Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are all perfect in giving. The Godhead continually gives and gives and gives to us, His children, day after day day after day. His gifts are perfect with no variation - James 1:18. Take a moment and think of His daily gifts in your life, which by the way are perfect. The Bible is all about God giving gifts within the overarching theme of God the Father giving the perfect gift, Jesus Christ. The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The ultimate gift giver of the ultimate gift - salvation. So, He calls us to do the same in Ephesians 4:28, 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.
Put it simply, God calls us to stop living as takers, depleters, consumers and to start living as givers, sharers and replinishers. He calls us to put off consuming and to put on giving. He calls us to a life of labor and work so that we would be sacrificial givers, “to share with anyone in need.” Have you considered that lately? One of the purposes God has for you in your job is so that you can give generously to those in need. Please, take a moment and read Ephesians 4, before Sunday to refresh the call on us to "walk worthy to our calling.
One more question for your consideration. When is a thief, taker and consumer no longer a thief, taker or consumer?
When he:
A. Stops stops stealing, taking and consuming
B. Stops stops stealing, taking and consuming and starts to work and labor so that he can live generously with those in need
I really look forward to worshipping with you Sunday! - Steve
But why? Because stealing is the absolute antithesis of the character and image of God. Our Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are all perfect in giving. The Godhead continually gives and gives and gives to us, His children, day after day day after day. His gifts are perfect with no variation - James 1:18. Take a moment and think of His daily gifts in your life, which by the way are perfect. The Bible is all about God giving gifts within the overarching theme of God the Father giving the perfect gift, Jesus Christ. The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The ultimate gift giver of the ultimate gift - salvation. So, He calls us to do the same in Ephesians 4:28, 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.
Put it simply, God calls us to stop living as takers, depleters, consumers and to start living as givers, sharers and replinishers. He calls us to put off consuming and to put on giving. He calls us to a life of labor and work so that we would be sacrificial givers, “to share with anyone in need.” Have you considered that lately? One of the purposes God has for you in your job is so that you can give generously to those in need. Please, take a moment and read Ephesians 4, before Sunday to refresh the call on us to "walk worthy to our calling.
One more question for your consideration. When is a thief, taker and consumer no longer a thief, taker or consumer?
When he:
A. Stops stops stealing, taking and consuming
B. Stops stops stealing, taking and consuming and starts to work and labor so that he can live generously with those in need
I really look forward to worshipping with you Sunday! - Steve
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