No Work, No Food!

“For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Apostle Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians exhorted them to desist from idleness and start working. Laziness is not a Christian virtue or quality in any way. While Jesus was on earth, He made this clear by His lifestyle of hard work. A lifestyle of laziness was condemned in scriptures typified by today’s bible reading. Unfortunately, there are still some people that are expecting God to rain manna on earth! Things do not work that way anymore.

Not long after the Israelites settled in the land flowing with milk and honey, while they had been fed with the produce of the land, the manna ceased. The expectations of God over them was that they cultivate the land and await the bountiful harvest. You must know that working is a divine attribute. Some people might have thought that the idea of work emanates as a result of sin. This is not true because God himself works (John 5:17). It was brought to the notice of Apostle Paul that some so-called brethren were idle in the early church. Paul’s response was quick and personal, showing himself not only being an Apostle but also hardworking.

Proverbs 19:15 says, “Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.”

Don’t be like those who claim that they do not work for a living because they were jobless. It might be that such people were looking for their dream job but not forthcoming; they remain indoor or loaf around and become a liability to others. Such people must rescind their decisions and look for an alternative job to keep them busy and healthy. You can’t just stay idle all day; you must have something you do for a living. Proverbs 13:4 says, “The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.”

Don’t rely too much on other people’s wealth. Instead, work for your wealth so that you also can stand alone, being buoyant enough to help others. The command was directed at those capable of working but refuses to work, not those unable to do so. Believers are to be recognized with hard work and not for a lazy attitude. Proverbs 12:11 says, “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.”

Prayers:
1. Father, take away every form of idleness from my life and bless me with a befitting work.
2. Psalm 90:1; May the favor of the Lord our God be upon you and establish the work of your hands for you in Jesus’ name.