Nehemiah 3:2
“And next to him the men of Jericho built, and next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.”
These members of Jerusalem were responsible for their part. That’s the message of the bible. Galatians 6:5 says, “For each one will bear his own load.”‘ 2 Timothy 3:10 says, ‘For even when we were with you?, we were commanding you? this, that “if anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat.”’
The book of proverbs gives many warnings not to be lazy. 26:14 says, “As a door turns on its hinges, so the slacker turns on his bed.” Good parenting drives out much laziness. However, we need to brace being industrious. My wife has been a blessing to me in this area. Her example of being a hard worker was great.
We can help people in this area. Galatians 6:1,2 says, “Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Being lazy is a wrongdoing. We are to bring it up if one is struggling in this area. However, if we are poor in spirit, we are aware that we could easily fall into our own area of wrongdoing. That’s why we are to be gentle.
I don’t see it as a problem, but I’ve heard others bring it up. Two portions of Galatians have been brought up. The last one was to bear one another’s burdens. The others one was that we are to bear our own burdens. Some have said that this is a contradiction. I think it’s easily explained. We are to bear our own burdens. However, at times, we need a hand. We are to put ours down to assist that one. He won’t need help forever. Once he gets to a good place, then we go back to bearing our own burden as he is able to do so for himself.
What if he isn’t able to do so? Here’s what I Timothy 5:8 says, “If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Those are strong words. We are to leave it to him to figure it out. I know someone in this state. It’s in a different area than this. He isn’t disfellowshipped. In a sense he’s doing it to himself. He has given himself a bigger orbit. I’ve almost approached him a couple of times, but circumstances have gotten in the way. I see this as God saying, “I’ve got this and am working on his heart”.
Lord, thank You for working on us. You are making us better in many ways.