2 Thessalonians 3:12-13 (KJV)
Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
Having pastored for many years, I’ve had experience with many souls of the sort Paul describes—those who will not work, who expect a handout, and who think the church is the place to get it.
More of them than I can tell would never have obeyed this command, and many would have been insulted (or rather, would have attempted to insult us) when we would not give to them. On one occasion, a man said to me, when I told him I did not have any money to give him, “You’re the poorest excuse for a pastor I’ve ever met.” Others expressed much the same sentiment over the years.
So notice the teaching of this passage:
First, it is the teaching of the Bible that those who are such are to be commanded to work.
Some may not be able to get great jobs, but they can likely get a job. I know times and economies change, but in all my years of life, I’ve always been able to find work. I started working when I was twelve years old, stocking shelves and sweeping the parking lot at a local 7-11. Jobs are available to those who are willing to work.
Second, they are to “eat their own bread.”
I take that to mean they are to provide for themselves and be content with what they earn. Some earn more, some less. Often, those who start with less will earn more over time by quietly and faithfully doing their work until someone notices they are capable of more.
Finally, I learn that this does not remove the believer’s responsibility to be involved in well doing.
Charity, kindness, reaching out, and giving a helping hand—these are real and honorable Christian duties. The two concepts are not opposed; they are complementary. It is the same idea found in Galatians, where we are told both to bear our own burden and to bear one another’s burdens. These are not contradictory—they work together.
Teach men to work.
Teach them to take care of themselves and their families.
And while they do, help them when they need it and you are able.
Never grow weary in teaching these things.
#WorkWithQuietness #EatThineOwnBread #BeNotWearyInWellDoing #BiblicalResponsibility #FaithfulAndDiligent
The Bible Commands Christians to Work (And What Happens If We Don’t)
What do you think—where should the line be between helping and enabling? Drop a comment below and join the conversation.
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