DEVOTION – DAY 296

2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 “Do Not Be Idle”

2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

Paul in the above passage was teaching about the importance of work. God created us for work. Work is good for us. God never created us to be idle. Thus, Paul wanted to be a good role model. Paul was not saying that he never accepted the hospitality of others. Paul was simply saying that he never depended on other people for a living. Whilst in Thessalonica, Paul was always careful to work night and day to support himself. He was not a burden to the Thessalonians. Paul wanted the people to know that God wants us to have good work ethics and never be a burden on others.

However, amongst the youth today, there is a trend to be lazy and not work hard. This is because some see that modern society can be stressful. Some people see that the world is becoming materialistic. People work long hours to seek a better life. It can be very competitive to try to get a better job, more pay, a better house and so on. As a result, some youth today want to opt out of what they see as the rat race. They see life is too stressful and too hard to get ahead. So, they choose not to try. They just want to take things easy. They choose the easiest jobs, preferably working from home or doing some small business online. They want to choose anything that gives them preferably as little stress as possible. In the process, they might sometimes borrow some funds from friends or relatives. They are also not embarrassed to take money from their parents or receive handouts from friends and relatives.

We know someone who retired early. He thought he could rely on his savings but he underestimated his expenses. Within ten years, his life savings were gone and soon, he became a burden on his family to care for him. Instead of seeking some form of work, he was idle and spent his time watching TV and sleeping. This man now realized that he had been foolish in seeking to retire early. But it is too late because now, he is older and it is harder for him to seek another employment.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for warning us against giving in to idleness. Thank you for reminding us that work is good for us. Help us to have good work ethics and to always depend upon you as we work. We humbly ask this in the holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

1. Why do people prefer to be idle rather than work hard? Discuss.
2. What are some advantages that comes from working hard? Discuss.
3. Why does Paul set an example for us to follow to be hardworking?
4. What kind of example are you setting for your children, your colleagues, your friends when they see you working? How will your example affect them when they look at your work ethics?