March 14, 2022 -- II Thessalonians 3:10-13 -- The place of work in the life of the Christian

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
II Thessalonians 4:10-13 ESV

In a time where many restaurants and construction sites are hanging out signs “help wanted” these verses are a strong command to believers today. I wonder how many people who call themselves Christian have inappropriately collected CERB (Canadian Emergency Response Benefit)? How many folks are capable of work but are collecting EI? How many are able-bodied but sitting at home collecting welfare? More than once the government has floated the crazy idea of a Universal Basic Income. It encourages people not to work. It is unpopular to speak this way, but Paul raises this point for believers.

Work is a creation order. Adam and Eve were commanded to work the garden. There is satisfaction in honest work. Those who are capable of working, but do not work, become lazy, busy-bodies, and begin tearing down their witness to Jesus. Those, who for reasons of circumstances (such as the loss of a spouse, or illness) cannot work, are to be cared for by family members or by people in the church. The reason is that a family (biological or spiritual) will not tolerate laziness and sponging behaviors.

Notice how deeply the people of Christ are called to know the lives of fellow believers. There needs to be accountability on how people in the family of God spend their time, their money, their energy and their free time. Those who are struggling need to be encouraged not to grow weary in doing good. That admonition in and of itself is significant. Given all the “free money” that is available, one might wonder ‘why bother’ to be good, contributing and hardworking, when the government is prepared to give money away? The bible forbids it. The word commands: do not grow weary in doing good. The reason for work or blessing those unable to work is grounded in the fact it is the Father in heaven Who has given strength, resilience, gifts and abilities for work so that Christians will be salt and light in the work-force and among their family members.

Thank You Father in heaven for the gift of work. Thank You that You have made Your people with gifts and abilities, talents and skills so that work is a joy as well as job. Father in heaven, by the powerful presence of Your Spirit in us and among us. Help us to use our work time and play time, our family time and retirement to bring honour and praise to Jesus Christ. Spirit of God, touch the conscience of those who are in the family of faith and are lazy or refuse to work. Convict the conscience of those who are not helping the Christian family in distress. Spirit of Truth, invigorate the sense of true community accountability among the family of believers so that working together and worshiping together, the beautiful Name of Jesus Christ is honoured to the praise and glory of the Father in heaven. Amen.

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