Issue 2 - Day 7

2 Thessalonians 3

2 Thessalonians 3:11-12

11. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

Are you known to be a hard worker, or do you not work? Is your walk, worthy of God, or is it disorderly? Do you get on with life quietly, or do you gossip, and spend all your time minding other peoples business?

Paul would have been shot for his lack of political correctness these days. In England we are encouraged to cultivate a welfare state. There are people who ask, ‘why should I work when I can live for free’. Strangely, while Southwark has relatively low employment rates it has low unemployment rates. This is bulked up by income support, and the highest concentration of disability allowance in the country.

Paul was not however just saying, ‘get a job’, but was more concerned with the attitude of people, working or not. Some people are a pain in the neck, and some spend all their time talking about others. This is not walking a Godly life. Work hard at what God has given you, and be an example.

This passage also tells us to focus our efforts. Do not waste time, but help those who can be helped. Our time is not our own. God paid the price for your life, by dying on the cross. All our time is therefore the Lord’s and we should use it to his glory. In your work, school or home, ask yourself, am I bringing glory to God in my words and actions.