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The command "Do not steal" has implications which go far beyond merely
taking something from someone else. It covers the stealing of intangible
things (such as a reputation). It also covers the withholding of
what others have a right to.
God gives us gifts, possessions and
abilities, not for the purpose of self-indulgence, but so that we
can use them to express love for God and neighbor. A person who is
unwilling to use them in this manner is as guilty of this sin, as a thief
would be.
Waste and laziness are also violations of this command, and reflect a
sinful attitude - not only toward the people around us, but also toward
God.
Using One's Gifts & Abilities |
God gave us our gifts and abilities for a purpose. When we refuse to use them, or when we use them for self-centered reasons, we dishonor God and rob our neighbor of what we owe him. This section focuses on the
use of our abilities. The section that follows focuses on our unwillingness to use them. |
[Using Your Time Wisely] |
The actual title on the article is: "Looking for a job? Have some extra time on your hand? Don't know what to do today?"
But it has to do with how you use your time - the values that are reflected by your choices.
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When You're Out of a Job... |
What are you supposed to do, when you're out of a job?
Just about the same as what you're supposed to do when you do
have a job! The basic issue is this: Why does God let you have a job,
in the first place? Or, what, according to God, is your purpose in
life supposed to be?
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The Conflict Between The
Prophet and The Evangelist |
Quite often, a person who who happens to have one gift
(often a more "visible" one) may think that
he is more important than someone who has a different (often less
"visible") gift. He may
even think he doesn't need those who have other gifts and
abilities! This article
illustrates how two people with different gifts might get into such a
conflict... and how they need each other. (They can't even use their
own gifts properly, without people who have the other gifts!)
The principles in this article apply to everyone, not just to people
who have the gifts of "prophecy" and "evangelism."
It is based on 1 Corinthians 12:21-26.
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[NOTE: The PDF version folds into thirds. A few preliminary comments are given
on a page before the article.] |
A "Grab Bag" of
Studies Related to "Using Things," "Being Useful,"
Our Response to "Needs," Etc. |
While studying the concept "Love is kind," I
came across these verses. How? The N.T. Greek word for
"kind" is somewhat related to this group of words. (They
both come from the same root word.) I suppose it makes sense... after
all, kindness is expressed by what we do - including how we use
things (gifts, abilities, time, possessions, etc.). There are a lot
of topics in this group of studies - some of which could probably be
placed elsewhere. But since they're all related to the
concept of "using" (or "being used"), I decided
to keep them all here. These studies focus on the application of these
verses to life, and includes "things to think about," "assignments," etc.
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GROUP OF STUDIES |
Laziness - a sin against everyone |
The word "sluggard" refers to a lazy person. Such
a person is not "innocent" in his inactivity, but, by what he is unwilling
to do, he becomes a thief to all of society. He not only robs people by his
dependence on them for things he is unwilling to work for, but he also robs
them of the gifts and abilities God has given him to benefit society with.
The apostle Paul summarizes our obligation to the lazy person, when he tells
us that we should not feed
a person who is unwilling to work (2 Thessalonians 3:10b). Don't reward his laziness! Don't give him free handouts, thus encouraging him to continue in his sin! |
About Lazy, Slothful Sluggards |
A look at what the Book of Proverbs says about such
people. The verses are given in outline form, but you will have to
look them up. (Unfortunately, if you are a sluggard, you will
probably be too lazy to do so!)
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About using our gifts and abilities...
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are
different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds
of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each
one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1
Corinthians 12:4-7)
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. (1 Peter
4:10)
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