Value of work
Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:11-13
What kind of worker are you? If you will rate yourself from one-to-ten (ten being the best) in terms of diligence, humility, the desire to be teachable, loyalty, honesty, cooperation, and ability to provide positive encouragement, how would you appraise yourself? From the text, Paul addresses the issue of idleness among believers. It is an attitude contrary to what the Bible teaches. “Dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us” (2 Thessalonians 3:6). Work is not meant to be a curse upon man and woman, but rather a source of enjoyment for them. When Adam and Eve were placed in the garden, they were given the task “to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15). This was before sin entered. It is true that because of sin’s coming into the world, work would not always be a pleasant experience but it never has become a curse itself. God still intends for mankind to work and to find fulfillment in that labor. Not only did Paul teach the Thessalonians about the value of work; he demonstrated through his own efforts that value. “For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you” (2 Thessalonians 3:7). Paul is not hesitant to use himself as a model for the Thessalonians to imitate. Work itself is a privilege. It is a high calling for it was ordained by God. It was appointed by God to be carried out for His greater glory. You can make a big difference where you work if you “never get tired of doing good.” Always bear in mind that the place you work will never be better than you make it.
Blessings
