Often, Christians today will make statements like “I wish my work had more meaning like someone in full-time ministry”. Or, “I am so frustrated with my husband. I’ve had to pick up overtime hours because he won’t look for a job”. These conversations reveal that many Christians separate their work from their faith. In doing so, they undermine God’s intention for work and they silence one of their greatest opportunities to honor Jesus. Within the Thessalonian church, there were believers who were not working and living off of the church’s generosity. We know this because this issue is addressed twice. The first time was in his first letter to them when he states “We urge you brothers, admonish the idle” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). In today’s passage, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12, Paul again address the lack of work ethic that some Thessalonians possess. In fact, it was so pervasive that some were advocating for laziness in Jesus’ name. As a result of their poor work ethic, Paul commands the Thessalonians in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to keep away from these brothers. That sounds harsh to our ear, but the concern is that a blatant disregard for work will turn into a blatant disregard to obey other clear teachings of Scripture. Now, we must understand that this admonishment is not directed towards those who embrace hard work and, through life’s misfortune, are having a difficult time. Rather, we are addressing those who purposely choose to walk in idleness or laziness and willingly allow others to provide for them instead of working to provide for themselves. In these verses, Paul provides three corrections about Jesus’ followers and work. The first correction is…..
Hard work is your Christian heritage….
By walking in idleness, a Christian is rejecting the apostolic tradition (teaching). Part of our Christian heritage that we have received is hard work. Sweating, physically or mentally, is good. Calluses on the hand are good. Being physically and mentally tired at the end of the day or week is part of our heritage. God’s people work hard as an outgrowth of our obedient worship to God. For the Christian, trying to get by with as little work as possible is not evidence of ingenuity, but rather disobedience to God’s Word. Colossians 3:23 states that “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward”. Our primary motivation to show up on time and to put in a full day’s work is not a bonus or a promotion. Instead, it is knowing that our Lord sees, knows and rewards. Christian, are you being obedient to God’s command to work?…..
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