The Importance of Work

Yesterday’s post discussed the sacredness of work and the importance of work to our testimony. Paul continues that theme in chapter 3 with an exhortation to those who refused to work.  Here is what we read in verses 10-12:  ^“10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. ¹¹ For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. ¹² Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.”  We don’t know the specific circumstances that Paul is referring to here…why the people were not working…but we do see the importance of work to the testimony of the believers.  I don’t think that Paul has welfare reform on his mind.  Rather, I think that we see again the importance, even the sacredness of work.  Work is not a part of the fall of man.  Adam and Eve were given work in the Garden of Eden before they sinned.  Rather, work is actually a God-given part of the human existence.  If one is not working then I guess he/she should be asked, “Why?”  If there is no reason, then it is reasonable to work…not only for money but also for the Lord.