God's Work

Should you have to work for your food?

Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, and we did not eat anyone's bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right. - 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

The main message in Paul's second letter to the Church in Thessalonica, is that God is faithful to us, so we should remain faithful to Him.

He uses the example of working for food.  He and his brethren did not seek handouts, but worked for everything they received.

It reminds me of Jesus sending out the disciples in twos with nothing, telling them they must seek to stay where they are welcomed and share the Good News with whoever accepted them.

I guess that is work.  They are not getting something for nothing if they have the job of enlightening the giver, right?

So, what about feeding the hungry?

At first it seems we are giving without gaining anything in return, but if you have done the work of offering food and clothing to those in need you know that isn't true.

The work of those who come is to bring God's joy and thanks, which brightens one's whole day.

If we look at these gifts as the work of the poor, it changes our perspective.

And then if we have the added blessing in learning those who come and receive what we offer take it home and use it to nourish and bring joy to others, the work we are doing continues through them.

Maybe we need to see what we give as more of a tool for those who have nothing to be able to do something for others.

Then, we see that we are all doing God's work together.

More to come...