Tentmaking

Steven’s Scribbles
“Tentmaking”
Col. 3:17
    
    Everything a Christian does is supposed to bring glory to God. Even though we are displaced citizens in the world (Phil. 3:20), we are to be in the world and not of the world (John 17:14-16). While living in the world, the Lord expects us to work (2 Thess. 3:10) and provide for our families (1 Tim. 5:8) and the Lord’s church (1 Cor. 16:1-4). Even though it is appropriate for Gospel preachers to be paid for their work (1 Tim. 6:17-18; 1 Cor. 9:9 &14), even Paul spent time making tents (Acts 18:1-3). He even mentions his, Silas, and Timothy’s work ethic while they were among the church in Thessalonica (2 Thess. 3:6-13). Peter, Andrew, James, & John (the sons of Zebedee) were fishermen (Matt. 4:18-22). Matthew was a tax collector (Matt. 9:9; 10:3). Work is a blessing from God and Christians have an opportunity to do good and have a positive influence on those around them. Could you imagine that Paul would make or sell tents and not bring up the Lord? Certainly not! “Whatever you do in work or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Col. 3:17). This next year I will be teaching band part time at Bayou Academy. Today was the first day and I already invited three people to worship and am trying to get another interested in Bible study. You see your coworkers everyday which means you have built a rapport with them. Don’t let those opportunities be squandered. Be like Paul the tentmaker. I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley