In Acts 20:35, we find Paul addressing two of the basic tenets of our faith--working and giving. He demonstrated both in His ministry following the example of Jesus Christ, just as we should.

First to address the "elephant in the room."  Although the quotation "It is more blessed to give than to receive" is one of those statements globally associated with Jesus and the Christian faith, it never occurs in any of the gospels at all. It is, however, part of the oral tradition of Jesus' sayings and is in complete agreement with the gospel teachings. The last verse of the book of John says, "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." Luke, who was probably the author of Acts, heard first hand the words of Our Lord. Paul, whose address was recorded here, knew Luke, Peter, James and Mark, and would certainly have heard Him quoted over and over again. 

That being said, the Bible never leaves us in doubt that we are expected to work. "Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed" (Ex. 23:12); "Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him--for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God" (Ecc. 5:18-19); "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord and not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (3:23-24); "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody" (I Thess. 4:11); "If a man will not work, he shall not eat" (II Thess. 3:10b).  Old Testament through New, we are instructed to work, and the rewards are mapped out.

As we are told of the blessings of work, we are also told of the blessings of giving generously. "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Luke 6:38); Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys" (Luke 12:33);  "Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give according to what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever. Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God" (II Cor. 9:6-11).

We work so that we may give; we give so that others may know Christ; and when we do it all unto Him, the rewards are beyond measure!

Heavenly Father who knows and sees all things, draw me into Your perfect will for my life that I may do all that I do, with all my heart, working for You and not for man. Give me a proper attitude of generosity instead of greed. Replace my complaints with true gratitude, for You have never forsaken me. There is no greater joy, no greater "high," than being in the center of Your will. Keep me busy there until You return or until You call me home. Amen