Let 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 (KJV)
In our Scripture today we are reminded of a character trait that most times goes unnoticed until it becomes a huge problem. Taking what does not belong to us, taking what we justify as belonging to us, and desiring more and more through greed and envy underpins generational connections. The first time a child brings home something from their school deemed insignificant but does not belong to them, what did you do? As a parent/guardian, you can choose to ignore it and allow it to become a bigger problem or you can stamp it out and set clear boundaries on stolen items. What about the office stationery that magically ends up in homes. These are tangible examples but they stem from a root problem that wasn’t dealt with in its embryonic stages.
In Exodus 20:15, the eighth commandment is, “Thou shalt not steal.” While this was a command, here in Ephesians 4:28 Paul the Apostle is giving hope to one who is caught up in a lifestyle of dishonesty. He is encouraging and showing that there is a better way. A more acceptable way, a way that is beneficial to everyone concerned.
When we develop an attitude of giving rather than taking we increase, increase in joy, peace, and contentment. When we are takers, we decrease in love, joy, peace, and happiness. Givers seek the interest of others, givers always have more and they seek every opportunity to give more. Today as we start this day, let us carefully examine our motives and our desires and let us walk in the spirit of giving, putting away the undesirable traits that will disrupt our peace. Create your new generational trait.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray for the identification of the roots of greed, and selfishness in my life and family. I pray for these to be uprooted and replaced with roots of giving selflessly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Exodus 20:1-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 84:8-12; Romans 1:18-32; 2 Kings 24:8-20; 2 Kings 25
#givers.#giving.#commandments.
