The New Self & Honest Labor

This verse addresses something most of us would never label ourselves: thieves. We might think, “I’ve never stolen anything—this doesn’t apply to me.” But the text isn’t just about shoplifting or breaking into homes. It’s about the fundamental orientation of our work and resources.

The old self operates from a scarcity mentality: take what you can get, hoard what you have, protect your interests. This shows up in ways we rarely name as theft: padding expense reports, using company time for personal business, taking credit for others’ work, underpaying employees, overcharging customers. These are all forms of taking what doesn’t belong to us.

But notice the transformation described here. It’s not just stop stealing and start working. It’s a complete reversal of purpose. The old self works to accumulate for personal gain. The new self works to have something to share with those in need. This is radical. Work isn’t ultimately about building your own security or comfort—it’s about being positioned to bless others.

The phrase “doing honest work with his own hands” emphasizes both integrity and personal effort. There’s dignity in labor. There’s honor in earning what you receive. The new self doesn’t look for shortcuts, manipulate systems, or exploit others. The new self works diligently, honestly, and with a view toward generosity.

This transforms everything about how we approach Monday morning. Your job isn’t just a way to pay bills—it’s your opportunity to reflect God’s character through honest labor and to generate resources for Kingdom purposes. That spreadsheet you’re building, that product you’re creating, that service you’re providing—it’s all part of how God is sanctifying you and positioning you to be generous.

Think about your work life. Are there areas where you’ve been operating from the old self’s playbook? Maybe you’ve been cutting corners to get ahead. Perhaps you’ve been so focused on accumulating that you’ve lost sight of generosity. Or maybe you’ve been coasting, giving minimal effort while taking full pay.

The new self works differently. The new self sees work as worship, approaches tasks with integrity, and earns with generosity in mind. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the fruits of your labor—it means your labor has a purpose beyond yourself. You work honestly so you can give generously. This is the way of Christ, who worked as a carpenter not to build an empire but to serve others, and who ultimately gave everything for our salvation.

Thought for Today: 
How can I approach my work today with both greater integrity and greater generosity, reflecting the new self God has created in me?