Dr. Renee Lockey gained widespread recognition in Christian and philanthropic communities for her personal philosophy and lifestyle. After experiencing professional success but feeling an inner emptiness, she felt called to make a radical lifestyle change. She adopted the philosophy of “working like a doctor and living like a nurse”—meaning she limits her personal spending to a nurse’s salary and gives away the rest of her income.
Work and share: Paul writes to those who have been saved from being thieves or robbers. Now, as transformed disciples, they ought to work hard with their hands. The intention is not only to feed themselves but also to help those in need. (Ephesians 4:28) Earlier, they used to meet their needs and luxury by depriving those who had for their own needs; but now they are a new creation, who volunteer to help others.
Idleness to willingness: A disciple who is able-bodied should not be idle. He ought to work. If he is not willing to work, he must not eat. That means one should not live on the earnings or hard work of someone else. It could be a spouse, family members, friends, or even a non-profit organization. Paul writes that an idle person should become a generous person to contribute to those who are probably not able-bodied or unable to work to earn wages.
Models and examples: Paul was a great example in the Bible. He worked as a tentmaker to survive but spent all his other time spreading the gospel. Those who work for the gospel could live for the gospel. Paul sacrificed that right and privilege and earned for himself to live. (I Corinthians 9:12-14) Dr. Renee Lockey is a contemporary example. She worked hard as a medical doctor, but lived within the limits of a nurse’s wages, and gave the rest for charity and missions. Instead of comparing with the lifestyle of a superspecialist doctor, she restrained her expenses to the level of those who were earning less than her.
Am I willing to sacrifice my privileges to help others?