II Thessalonians 3:10
“For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.”
A trait that has been associated with Christianity is industry. People refer to the protestant work ethic. Part of that was influenced due to how the Lord designed the week. It consists of six days to labor and one day to rest.
The famous UCLA basketball coach, John Wooden, has industriousness as part of his pyramid of success. He would work his players so hard in practice that playing against opponents was slower. This work ethic was adopted by all major teams. Wooden was a man of faith and it could be said that his faith influenced this practice.
We have a debate in our culture about the dignity of work and welfare. Some think that giving money to people doesn’t instill a work ethic. Self preservation is instilled in our nature. We want the best for ourselves. If we have a family, we seek it’s greatest advantage.
Welfare is an important safety net. However, if someone is able to work, they should. That’s the context of Paul’s words in today’s verse, “if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either”. Work is important in human development, but also as a building block to society and the church. Things begin to break down if work isn’t valued.
Solomon wrote much about the importance of work. Ecclesiastes describes work and loving one’s family as the purposes of life. In Proverbs, there is an emphasis on the diligence in work. As believers, we should be seen as great employees. Hard work and great attitudes should be attributed to us. At home, we should keep up our property.
The topic of work wouldn’t be complete without addressing it’s reward. Riches, competence, self respect and the respect of others. If one owns a company, then that provides work for many others. The bottom line is that we feel great about ourselves after a job well done.
Lord, help us to work hard in all areas of our lives. Thank You that You help us to work hard. Thank You for the blessings that You provide through it.