Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Thoughts on II Thessalonians 3: We must work

Paul, in one of his more blunt moments, says, "If anyone is not willing to work, then he should not eat."  In context, it is clear that Paul is not speaking of the disabled or those who honestly cannot find work.  Rather, he is aiming his blunt weapon on those "teachers" who claim that they don't need to work because they are servants of God.  Although we know from Paul's other writings that God's servants are worthy of wages, but that doesn't give license for laziness.

This principle should be applied more broadly though.  Help shouldn't be given for those who are not willing to work.  Work, however, should be interpreted broadly, I believe.  A single mother with five kids is working by raising five kids.  I think if she multi-tasks in whatever breaks she had from child-rearing (such as "nap time") and does other work, she should receive help from the Church.  Even if this means something as simple as stuffing envelopes (something that can easily be done at home to ease in child care).  As a church, we should also be willing to help those who are willing to work.  The principle goes both ways.

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