“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 (ESV)

When a person becomes a Christian, their life must not just change; it must transform. The verse quoted above is a perfect example of this deep change.

We expect a thief to stop stealing when they follow Christ. We also expect them to start working an honest job. Yet, the real transformation is shown in their attitude toward the money they earn.

A transformed person does not just work to meet their own basic needs. They also work to give to those in need. The selfish, covetous (greedy for what belongs to others) thief is changed into a selfless, giving laborer. It is not enough to stop doing bad things; we must actively pursue what is good and helpful to others.

Stealing vs. Contentment

Stealing goes completely against the spirit of Christ. It comes from an inordinate (excessive or uncontrolled) desire to have what belongs to someone else.

This desire can become so strong that a person steals rather than working to buy the item. This self-centered greed hardens the heart. The thief satisfies their own wants without caring about the harm they cause to others.

If a thief wants to become a Christian, they must leave this lifestyle behind. Their heart must change from greed to contentment. They must stop stealing and start working an honorable job.

The Value of Honest Labor

A Christian should not rely on others for support if they are able to work, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12. It is a blessing to work hard and enjoy the results of that work, Ecclesiastes 3:13; 4:6.

The writer of Ecclesiastes advises us to work with all our might. However, he warns us not to become obsessed with riches, which can never truly satisfy us, Ecclesiastes 5:10-12; 9:10.

We are blessed when we find satisfying work that meets our needs and leaves us time to enjoy other parts of life. We should work diligently to please God, not just to impress a human boss, Ephesians 6:5-8.

The Danger of Being a Miser

The Christian transformation does not stop when we stop doing evil. While our work should cover our bills, we must also help others.

A miser (a stingy person who hoards wealth) might work hard and never be a burden to anyone. Yet, if they do not share their wealth to help others or support the Lord’s work, they only benefit themselves.

Such a person may not be a thief, but they are still greedy. They are like the Dead Sea, which receives water but has no outlet to share it. Because it only keeps and never gives, the Dead Sea is salty, lifeless, and dead.

If we only receive blessings and never give them away, our spiritual lives will become stagnant and dead.

Living as Faithful Stewards

We must be generous with the blessings God gives us. We are simply stewards (caretakers who manage what belongs to another) of His resources.

We earn a living through our labor, but God is the one who provides our health, opportunities, and ability to work. When we die, we cannot take any of these physical things with us.

Therefore, we must use our possessions wisely to support God’s work.

• We are called to give financially to support the church and spread the gospel, 2 Corinthians 6:9-14.
• We must help our brothers and sisters in times of need, 1 John 3:16-17.
• Sharing what we have is a powerful way to show that our faith is alive and real, James 2:14-17.

God has blessed us richly; let us be a blessing to others.

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