“Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” (Ephesians 4:28).
Because of learning Jesus—who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45)—a new creature in Christ discontinues all dishonest dealings with others and begins a life of industriousness and generosity. Covetousness and laziness are replaced with labor, contentment, and compassion.
Your income is to come from your personal labor. Your labor is to contribute to the good of society—something which is morally honorable, pleasing to God, and beneficial to your fellow members of the human race. Clearly, a job which promotes such things as alcohol consumption, immorality, drug abuse, et. al. is an unacceptable way to earn a living as a Christian.
God’s intended purposes for your income include taking care of your own (1Timothy 5:8), supporting the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), and helping others in need (Galatians 6:10).
Though the “American Dream” is that of getting more, the Christian steward seeks to be content with God’s providence and find ways of giving more.
