Paul’s Work Ethic: Acts 20:33-35
“33) I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. 34) You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. 35) In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”” Acts 20:33-35
We now see Paul’s philosophy of a Christian work ethic. He not only taught it, he modeled it! When support for the ministry team was low, he was the first to work with his own to hands to generate revenue. Getting a job fit within his thinking of Gods provision.
He mentioned this in again Philippians 4:10-13 where he talked about cycles on both lack and abundance. There were times they got ample missions support, there were other times he secured work toward self sustainability.
On of the benefits of a job was building positive relationship. Earlier in Acts 18:1-3 he shared the story of meeting Aquila and Priscilla on the job site making tents. They eventually became part of his ministry team.
If you are alone and isolated in life, think of getting a job that provides opportunity to meet people. It can be therapeutic, help provide for your physical needs and your social needs. It might also be providential in advancing the gospel.
Numerous times over the years both Debby and I have worked various jobs to help make ends meet. Some of the relational connections formed on those jobs resulted in the spread of the gospel and provided founding families to start new churches.
If your perspective and your attitudes are Christ honoring, your job or your buisness will most likely become a key part of your ministry. God loves to send His people into the market place as salt and light in the world.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
