Ten Commandments (1972)_b.pdf - Herbert W. Armstrong

The Eighth Commandment 121
you as soon as possible. I have been faithful and so HAS
GOD."
For a more detailed explanation of other important
points on the subject of tithing, write for our free booklet,
Ending Your Financial Worries.
Mailing addresses where this booklet can be obtained
without charge are listed on page 144.
The Command Applied Positively
The definite positive application of the eighth commandment
is stated in the New Testament letter to the
Ephesians. "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" (Eph.
4:28).
On the one side, stealing is condemned in this passage.
On the other, working and giving are outlined as the WAY
OF LIFE the positive application of God's command dictates.
Property and possessions are to be gained by honest
work - not merely to satisfy personal desires and needs ­
but so that any excess may be freely GIVEN to the brother
in need. In the real intent or "spirit" of God's Law, a man
not only steals by taking from another that which is his,
but by refusal to work in order to share and GIVE to others
in need!
The true Christian should be: "Distributing to the
necessity of saints; given to hospitality" (Rom. 12:13).
As God's begotten children, we are to become like
Him (Matt. 5:48). And Jesus said: "My Father worketh
hitherto, and I work" (John 5:17).
God's kingdom is a creating, a working, a producing
kingdom. God creates and works in order to give and
share with others!
For the inspired James wrote: "Every good gift and
every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from
the Father ..." (James 1:17). A-;!1d ?u the very nature of
God - which we all MUST come to have if we are to have
eternal life - that nature is working, producing and GIV-