The first century church shared all they had, even selling some of it to help others. The difference between the giving of the first century church and governmental socialism, is that the church gave as they felt led, no one took from them. They gave to those who were truly deserving, not dead beats who refused to work or those who have lived immorally and created their own poverty by their rebellion. God has instructed us to evaluate a brothers need, that we not be enabling laziness through our giving. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Proverbs 10:4 A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 6:9-11 How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. Our culture is getting worse all the time, we have taken on the foolishness of rewarding the lazy and stealing from the diligent. When the culture has left the principles of Christ behind, we will see the devastating affects of that rebellion. Proverbs 28:19 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty. Proverbs 18:9 Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. Those who live in poverty because of their sinful lifestyle, who refuse to listen to counsel from Gods Word and who reject any form of correction, will see very hard days. No one should bail them out of their difficulties, it is Gods lesson to them, if they have to go through the consequences of their actions and attitudes, they may learn from it. Proverbs 13:1 A wise son hears his fathers instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. God tells us to work hard, earning our own living and being a blessing to others. Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, Ephesians 4:28 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 Laziness in our work is only one way we can be lazy, another way is in our spiritual life. We can neglect Bible reading and prayer to pursue pleasure. We can neglect broken relationships to avoid difficult situations, rather than seeking peace through reconciliation Gods way, we run away and hide, pretending everyone will just get over or forget what transpired. A lazy person is usually lazy in everything, there is leanness to their soul that prevents them from doing what is righteous in favor of doing what is easiest, usually running from responsibility in all its forms. If we are believers, we should want to be seeking to please God in all our ways. Our witness in the world is more important to us than comfort. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. If we evaluate all that we do in terms of Gods principles, we may not always be comfortable, but we will be blessed, walking through life with a unencumbered conscience.
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 00:11:13 +0000
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