We Must Be Willing to Work

Note from today’s Bible reading: 2 Thessalonians 2-3

At the end of his second letter to the church in Thessalonica, Paul instructed the brethren about how they were to handle those who were leading “an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us” (2 Thessalonians 3:6). These individuals were acting “in an undisciplined manner” (2 Thessalonians 3:7) and, if they refused to repent, were to be disciplined by the church (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15).

What were they guilty of doing? Notice what Paul wrote: “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. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-11).

Though they were able to work, they simply refused to work. Not only was their laziness sinful, but their idleness led to other sins as they acted like busybodies.

God expects us to be active in His service and in carrying out the responsibilities He has given us to do. This requires work, even “working night and day” (2 Thessalonians 3:8-9) as Paul did as an example for them (and for us).

So remember that we must be willing to work. Obviously, some are physically unable to work; but God expects us to do what we are able to do. Not only will we please the Lord by doing this, but we will also avoid the sins that often come when we have too much idle time on our hands.