Ephesians 4:28 is straightforward and needs little explanation. I do want to reflect on the practical application of this verse in the culture.
John Wesley in his sermon titled Use of Money exhorted his hearers to “gain all you can”, “save all you can”, and “give all you can.” https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-50-the-use-of-money/
Wesley exhorted us to be productive to earn and gain all the worldly wealth which our hands can create, except that our efforts must not harm ourselves or our neighbors. In saving, Wesley exhorted to avoid the vanities of the world, showy displays of wealth, and trivial purchases. Having gained and saved, the object of our wealth should always be generosity.
Paul in Ephesians 4:28 exhorts against ill-gotten gains at the expense of others as well as laziness. Throughout Scripture, we are exhorted to work and show ourselves as productive. Proverbs 6:6-9, 13:4, 20:4, Genesis 2:15, Colossians 3:23, Luke 12:35-48, Matthew 25:14-30 Laziness and slothfulness, on the other hand, depends upon and steals from the diligence of others, so deliberate laziness and slothfulness violates Scripture. We should neither steal from others to gain wealth nor steal from others because of our laziness.
There are many needs in the world. Jesus said in Mark 14:7, “For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me.” Matthew 26:11, John 12:8 There will always be among us those who are diligent in their work, those who are unable to be productive, and those who despite their best efforts are unable to achieve sufficient wealth to provide for their own basic necessities. We are exhorted to help those in need. This is a focal point in the Bible book of Ruth, for example, in which we see gleaning.
Farmers were commanded to intentionally leave portions of the harvest in the field for those who had demonstrated need. The poor were expected to do their own gleaning (work for their own food), but they still had access to needed food.
Throughout history, we have had examples of wealthy businessmen and leaders who have used their wealth as a blessing to others. Milton Hershey, for example, made significant investments in the community, as did many other wealthy businessmen. The song “Good King Wenceslaus” remembers the life of Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia, who blessed the citizens with his wealth.
St. Nicholas, for whom Santa Claus is named, inherited a fortune when his parents died, and he gave it all away to the poor, leading to the legend of Santa Claus.
In our occupations, particularly, we should be industrious and successful, so that we can be generous and helpful to those in need, especially those with demonstrated need. Every occupation should set aside a portion of its resources to serve and bless those in need. Doctors, attorneys, accountants, and financial planners are examples of occupations which are encouraged to offer pro bono services. Even those who are poor find themselves in need of such services. The poor must not be pushed to the fringes of society nor be left to be taken advantage of simply because they are poor.
Pro bono and reduced fee services ensure that the poor among us can continue participating in society in meaningful ways. Very often, it is the poor who labor in jobs we do not openly see, but problems in our communities would arise if those jobs were left undone.
In the culture today, wealth is vilified, yet this is not so in Scripture or the historic teachings and traditions of the church. With wealth comes responsibility, as we see in Ephesians 4:28. Wealth is not to be vilified because it is of God’s wealth that we can partake in the kingdom of heaven. He freely shares of His wealth with us.
Opposition to Scripture is simply rebellion against God. There is a rejection of God’s ways and laws because those who rebel against God want to keep more for themselves and not follow God’s principles on wealth. Sadly, the culture today would rather teach and practice corruption as a means of getting ahead and encourages crime, stealing, and dependence upon others. All these are directly opposed to Scripture and the teachings of God. Such practices manifest the culture’s rebellion against God because we are not fulfilling our calling and refuse to obey the plain teachings of Scripture. Recall that Paul opens chapter 4 with the exhortation to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called”.
There must be, as John Wesley preached, a balance among our earning and gaining wealth, accumulating wealth through saving, and generosity through giving. We cannot, as the culture attempts to do today, both vilify wealth and teach dependence upon others at the same time. The dependence the culture is creating is only possible if others are wealthy. It becomes a vicious cycle which results in all of society collapsing into depression.
Let this post be an exhortation, reminder, and encouragement that no matter your occupation there should be:
• An effort to be as successful as you can be, and do not be afraid of becoming wealthy by it.
• An effort to set aside as much savings as possible, eliminating all unnecessary and frivolous saving.
• An effort to be generous with those who have demonstrated need, not just by giving money but through your occupation as well. Find ways to offer pro bono services and donate from the fruit of your labor.
If we live and work in this manner, the needs in our communities will be much more manageable, the cause of Christ and kingdom of heaven will be advanced, and we will find that our communities will be enriched and improved.
Let us also not forget that such practices force us to lean upon and trust in God more. To the extent we decline to trust in God, we will find ourselves rebelling against Him, and this will continue to cause a disjointed society.
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