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.
Oh Friends, the dark shadows lighten as the minutes slowly tick down towards the dawn in the Western world. Then suddenly a cacophony of sounds fill the air; music blares, clocks jangle, phones ring or vibrate and a harsh storm of resentment, anger and surly invective is unleashed in numerous darkened bedrooms. Why? Simply because it’s Monday. Those disturbances herald the death knell of the no work, relaxing, fun-time weekend, with most able-bodied, employed citizens now expected to get up and get ready to embrace another week of mundane, often frustrating and repetitious labour. Unfortunately that’s the foundation on which our prosperous society is built, for as Bruh Paul declared to the Ephesians in our Bit eons ago: ‘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.’ And that is the motto we still live by today, though the human flesh naturally gravitates to and enjoys laziness and luxury, while thoroughly demonizing work. But thankfully, we believers don’t have to behave in such a fleshly manner, for the Holy Spirit of Jesus resides in us and guides us to a more spiritual, godly reaction. And so to chase away those woeful Monday morning blues, let’s all sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with much verve and vigour. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Now let’s go out there and make that dream come true my people! Ah Friends, it’s so spiritually rich to be a believer! And our Bit today comes from the section of the Ephesians’ letter where Bruh Paul tells them about some of the good changes they ought to pursue as they embrace the new life in Christ. Things like changing their conversations from the old, lustful, deceitful, corrupt style, renewing the spirit of their minds, putting on the new man created after God in righteousness, refraining from lying and speaking truth to all men, not allowing anger to make them sin, neither going to bed angry, nor giving place to the devil, to stop stealing and work honestly, etc. (Eph.4:14-32) It’s obvious that Bruh Paul had serious concerns and misgivings about believers not working, for here is his exhortation to the Thessalonians on the subject. ‘Now we command you brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought (free of charge); but wrought with labour and travail (worked) night and day, that we might not be chargeable (a burden) to any of you. Not because we have not power (authority), but to make ourselves an example unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish (warn) him as a brother. Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.’ (2 Thess.3:6-16) And all I can add to that Friends is a big ‘Amen!’ because that negative behaviour still exists in our society today. However, Bruh Paul has shown us a godly way to deal with it, so please, let’s try and practice it nuh, it can only work for the good of the entire society. More tomorrow on this, God willing. Till then, the grace of God be with you. Much LOVE!…even a child is known by his doings…whether his work is pure…and whether it be right… (Prov.20:11)
SCRIP-BITS 