There Are No Free Lunches!

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Warning Against Idleness

6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor 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. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
Paul gets really practical in this last chapter of 2 Thessalonians.  He says to keep away from those who are "idle" and "disruptive".  And I think the two are often related.  Usually those who are the most disruptive and divisive have too much time on their hands.  I think you could make the word "idle" synonymous with "lazy".  On the contrary, Paul not only preached the gospel and pastored the church, but also worked day and night so he wouldn't be a financial burden to the church. Paul even went as far as to say, if someone didn't work they shouldn't eat.  I guess he wasn't a big fan of "free lunches".  
Sometimes our life together in the church is marked by very ordinary activities.  Like who is going to take out the trash after the church potluck.  Or, who is going to clean up the pews after the services.  When you are busy serving the Lord, you have much less time to complain about things.  As a pastor I can think of people in my congregation who every time I ask them to do something, they do it joyfully and willingly.  
As we follow Paul's example we will gradually develop a servant's heart.  And ultimately the person we are imitating is Jesus.  Do you remember at the last supper when there was no one to wash everyone's feet?  Jesus took the basin, filled it with water, took out the towel, and washed the disciple's feet.  If our Lord can get down on his hands and knees and serve so can we. 
What kind of person are you?  Are you lazy and disruptive?  Or, are you more apt be the one who serves and supports the body of Christ?  Finally, remember Paul says, "Never tire of doing good!"  When you are serving Christ, you won't!   

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