Tag: 2nd Chronicles 2:1-2
The sin of idleness!
Scripture reading for June 24th: 1st Kings 5, 2nd Chronicles 2, 2nd Thessalonians 3
2nd Thessalonians 3: 6-10 “Now we command you, brothers, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone in not willing to work, let him not eat.”
Paul admonished the believers concerning those in the church who were idle and taking advantage of others generosity. The teaching concerning Christ’s immanent return had caused some to think that there was no need to work but just to wait as Christ was coming soon. But Paul pointed to his own example of working hard to supply his own needs and not be a burden or a hindrance to the Gospel. Each believer has a responsibility to use their gifts and talents to provide for themselves and their families. We are warned not to hang around those who are habitually idle, lest we pick up their bad habits. We are to warn them as brothers, not treat them as enemies.
2nd Thessalonians 3:13-15 “As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the gift of work that we can do and for the ability to work and bless others and Your kingdom. Our culture has lots of those who are idle and some who major in taking from others. Help me to discern how to warn them if they are brothers or sisters in the Lord. Help me to set a good example for other believers in working and in loving You and others.
2nd Chronicles 2:1-2 “Now Solomon purposed to build a temple for the Name of the Lord, and a royal palace for himself. And Solomon assigned 70,000 men to bear burdens and 80,000 to quarry in the hill country, and 3,600 to oversee them.”