2 Thessalonians 3:6–13
Warning against Idleness
Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it; but with toil and labour we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.
Reflection - Doing the Tough Stuff
"No work! No pay!" This was an expression I was used to hearing from the owner of a small family owned company that I worked for many years ago. The question about pay for holidays would arise. Employees would ask, "Will we get paid for Thanksgiving Day?" And the answer... "No work! No pay!"
By today's standards this would seem a little harsh. But remember that this was a family owned business. A small business that operated with little overhead. So, the answer in this case was appropriate. Be glad that you have a joy that does pay when you work. Feel blessed to be employed. The time period was the early to mid 70's, and jobs were not abundant for young people at that time. I'm sure that today the world seems just as cruel to a young person.
This passage, however, refers to a group of people that refuse to work for their living. These are people that don't care to feed themselves and expect other people to carry the load for them. We're not talking about people that for some reason can't feed themselves or hold work, but rather people that won't work even though they are capable. We each need to do what we can for ourselves and for one another. Some of us are gifted with health and some are not. Some are gifted with strong backs and other's are gifted with excellent memory or brilliant minds. Some are gifted with skills with hands and some are gifted with talents that are technical.
The point is that we all need to use the gifts God has given us to the glory of God. When we refuse to use the gifts God has richly supplied each and every one of us with, we insult God. God is gracious and loving in each and all of our circumstances in life. When we are up, help those who are down to get back up. When we finally get up, help those who helped us and those other's who are down. But DON'T just remain idle waiting on more help when you can help yourself and those God has given to you. Don't do this!
God is better to you and closer to you than you could ever imagine. Appreciate the love God gives you directly and through those that God sends to you while you are in need. And when you can do it... get up and help!
God recognized our need for help. God recognized that we could not save ourselves by anything we could do or say. God saw that our destination was eternal damnation and hell! God came to our help! God sent his Son, Jesus, into this world to help us and to save us from our selfishness, sin, death and the devil. Jesus lived, healed, taught and reached out to all people in love to help us and save us from eternal death. We were dead! We were done for! But Jesus took our place and died for us to save us. Jesus did something and helped all of us.
No, we can't do what Jesus did. But we can recognize the gifts the Holy Spirit has given to us and give in all the strength that God gives to us in response to what God has done for us. We can get up and help those in need. We can reach out and pull another person up from the floor. We can help and we must help!
But... if that person refuses to get up. If that person only wants to live off of the help and never use the gifts that they have been given to help each other. Then... only then... do we turn and leave. And we don't leave for all time. We stay near for that time that the hand reaches out to help, to earn the living, to get up and go to work for another person in love. We reach out the hand that draws the person from selfishness to the fullness of life in Christ.
"Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right."
It's tough to do... but there are times when for the good of the other person... it must be done. When you do this pray... pray... pray... and offer that hand to get up and use the gifts that they have been given. Teach, heal and give of yourself in a loving manner... but if you must... if your help is refused... walk away in prayer. Sometimes that's what it takes to save a life.
Prayer
Lord, lead me, guide me, teach me, help be to have the strength to do the tough stuff... only when I have to... be with me and lead me as your disciple... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen
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