Daily Bread
2 Thessalonians 3
Warning Against Idleness
6In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 10For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."
11We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 13And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.
14If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. 15Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
Observation:
Often Paul is highly theological in his writings, but in this last chapter to the Thessalonians, he is highly practical. Paul warns them against associating with those who are lazy. Paul shares with them the value of confronting such behavior strongly.
In our history this has been called a “Protestant work ethic”. Someone else has said, “An idle mind is the devil’s playground.” This is not to say there are not times to rest, as the 4th commandment tells us (right after three dealing with our relationship with God) to “Honor the Sabbath and keep it holy” as a day of rest.
There is a balance between work and rest. Most of us rest from our work, but sometimes it might be better to work from our rest.
Application:
Which end of the spectrum do you have more trouble with, “working” or “resting”? Many derive their worth from working, and pride themselves on 80 hour work weeks. Others cut corners, and never put in an honest day’s work.
In another book Paul says, “Whatever you do whether in word or deed, work at it with all your hearts as if working for the Lord not for men. For it is the Lord Jesus Christ you are serving.” The monk, Brother Lawrence, tells how even in the everyday menial tasks in the monastery that he lived in, he found ways to see God in his simple tasks.
Maybe that is why you have that good feeling after cutting the lawn, or washing your spouse’s car! Although sometimes work is referred to as a curse, we can redeem it by putting it into its proper context. Work can be a way of serving God and serving others. And if we are paid, a way to support our families. In times like this, we can count it a blessing to have a good job. Hopefully this kind of work-ethic can help you see your vocation/job in a new light as a blessing not a curse.
Prayer: Thank you God for our jobs/callings in this life. Help us to work at them with all our hearts, as if working for you not men. I pray for those out of work that you might help them find gainful employment and not be idle. I pray that our economy would start growing again, so more people can prosper and give thanks to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Warning Against Idleness
6In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 10For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."
11We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 13And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.
14If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. 15Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
Observation:
Often Paul is highly theological in his writings, but in this last chapter to the Thessalonians, he is highly practical. Paul warns them against associating with those who are lazy. Paul shares with them the value of confronting such behavior strongly.
In our history this has been called a “Protestant work ethic”. Someone else has said, “An idle mind is the devil’s playground.” This is not to say there are not times to rest, as the 4th commandment tells us (right after three dealing with our relationship with God) to “Honor the Sabbath and keep it holy” as a day of rest.
There is a balance between work and rest. Most of us rest from our work, but sometimes it might be better to work from our rest.
Application:
Which end of the spectrum do you have more trouble with, “working” or “resting”? Many derive their worth from working, and pride themselves on 80 hour work weeks. Others cut corners, and never put in an honest day’s work.
In another book Paul says, “Whatever you do whether in word or deed, work at it with all your hearts as if working for the Lord not for men. For it is the Lord Jesus Christ you are serving.” The monk, Brother Lawrence, tells how even in the everyday menial tasks in the monastery that he lived in, he found ways to see God in his simple tasks.
Maybe that is why you have that good feeling after cutting the lawn, or washing your spouse’s car! Although sometimes work is referred to as a curse, we can redeem it by putting it into its proper context. Work can be a way of serving God and serving others. And if we are paid, a way to support our families. In times like this, we can count it a blessing to have a good job. Hopefully this kind of work-ethic can help you see your vocation/job in a new light as a blessing not a curse.
Prayer: Thank you God for our jobs/callings in this life. Help us to work at them with all our hearts, as if working for you not men. I pray for those out of work that you might help them find gainful employment and not be idle. I pray that our economy would start growing again, so more people can prosper and give thanks to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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