(The following is the September 24 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 2 Thessalonians 3 and pay close attention to verses 6-13.)
The Bible repeatedly warns against idleness. Proverbs 10:4 says, “Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring riches.” Proverbs 31:27 praises the wife who “watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.” Not depending on others unnecessarily for material support is something believers should expect from one another.
Paul warned readers about idleness in several of his letters.* He lived according to this expectation: “We were not idle among you; we did not eat anyone’s food free of charge; instead, we labored and toiled, working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you. It is not that we don’t have the right to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate us. In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: ‘If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat’” (vv. 7-10).
We should care for those who can’t provide for themselves. Christian kindness and love demand we meet practical needs whenever possible, continuing the church’s history of generosity until Jesus returns. “There is no limit to Christian compassion, but there is also no place for Christian parasites.”** The idleness Paul warns against describes those capable of providing for themselves but who choose not to. That attitude ignores God’s command to work, which he gave Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Work was part of God’s perfect, sinless creation before Adam and Eve’s sinful rebellion and God’s response.
Set an example for believers and others by being productive and positive about your work, thanking God for the opportunity to serve him and others through it.
Next Step:
What trends do you see regarding societal work habits? How do these trends and your work patterns compare to the Bible’s work ethic?
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* See 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-7,11; 1 Timothy 5:13.
** John B. Polhill, Paul & His Letters, (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers), 41.
