Willing to Work

Some of the people we feed each day work, while others don't.

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. - 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

Yesterday, a contractor came to Caritas looking for people willing to work.  He needed several people for a painting job and I was excited because many of the guys who come regularly tell me they want to work.

So, when the man left with no takers, I was surprised.

Of course there weren't many people around that early, but I expected one or two would take him up on his offer.

So, here is the question that comes from today's reading.  If someone refuses to work, should they be fed?

The early church was set up like a commune, where all contributed to the support of the group.  Each had a job to do and each was expected to do it.  But some were lazy or unwilling.

Now if everyone who comes to the soup kitchen pitches in and helps, we would not need to hire as many people.  That would be good and bad.

We hire people who were and are our clients, so it helps to be able to pay them something.  We cannot hire everyone though.  And I wouldn't feel right turning away people who could work but choose not to.

When contractors come and no one takes the job, it sends a message to the folks who work, especially those who are working hard to feed the people who choose not to work.

I'm not sure how to solve this one, but I know I have to give my staff a break from time to time, or they could get cynical.  And that would be a bad thing.

More to come...