Good Work

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Ephesians 4:28

You probably that know that this daily digital devotional, Life for Leaders, is produced by Fuller’s Max De Pree Center for Leadership. One of our major concerns at the De Pree Center has to do with work, not primarily the work of pastors and missionaries, but rather the work of all people, that which we might call ordinary work.

When we talk about work, we’re not thinking only of work for which you are paid. Work includes all sorts of things we do without compensation, including changing diapers, mowing the lawn, leading a Bible study, volunteering in a homeless shelter, writing an essay for school, and so much more.

Ephesians 4:28 is one of the most important passages in all of Scripture when it comes to the matter of work. At first glance, this verse seems irrelevant to most of us, since it specifically addresses thieves: “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” It makes sense that thieves should stop their thievery, given the clarity of the eighth commandment: “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). Ephesians urges those who have been stealing to start working instead.

But what the text says about work speaks to all of us, whether or not we struggle with kleptomania. (The Greek verb translated here as “stealing” is klepto, by the way.) In the next few days, I’ll reflect on what Ephesians 4:28 says to us about our work. Before I get into the details, however, I’d like to invite you to begin to consider how this verse speaks to you. Take time to reflect on this, using the following questions.

Something to Think About:

When you read the imperative suggested in Ephesians 4:28, “You must work,” how do you feel?

How to you think and feel about your own work?

Why do you work? What motivates you to do the daily work you do, whether for compensation or for free?

Something to Do:

As you go about your day, pay attention to the work you do and how you feel about it. You may even want to keep a log of what you’re doing and how you’re feeling. When, if at all, do you sense God’s presence as you work?

Prayer:

Gracious God, thank you for this verse in Ephesians that speaks about work. As we take time to study and reflect upon this verse, give us new wisdom so that we might think about our work as you do. Give us new energy to do the work you have called us to do, so that we might serve you with all that we are. Amen.

Explore more at the Theology of Work Project online commentary:
“You Shall Not Steal” (Exodus 20:15)