Wednesday, May 15, 2013
TEXT: 2 THESSALONIANS 3:6-18
Key Verse : For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread” (2 Thessalonians 3:11,12).
Apostle Paul, in our text today, told believers in Thessalonica that he had received a report of disorderliness among them. That “…there are some which work among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies”. Instead of working, such people depended on other believers to live. Since they had no work, they became busybodies, going from house to house to discuss issues that bordered on other people.
To remedy the situation, the Apostle commanded that with quietness such persons should work and eat their own bread. And if the person refused to obey, he should not eat: the brethren should withdraw from such a brother so that he could be ashamed and start work. When he was physically present with them, he set the tradition of working to earn a living as a tent-maker in spite of his busy schedule.
As believers in Christ, God expects us to work and earn a living to keep body and soul together. He does not expect us to be idle. Laziness and idleness will bring deprivation, shame and ridicule, not only to the believer but also to the church and name of Christ. But if we work and earn our own living, we shall experience the “perfect freedom” that Collingwood spoke about. Besides, we will “not be weary in well doing” (verse 13).
Thought for the Day : Pursue financial freedom today.