Scripture

As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.

 Observation

Paul commands the Thessalonians to stay away from believers who refuse to work for a living. Paul had told them to imitate his live which was far from idle. His attitude was that he should not be a burden to anyone. If people do not work they should not eat.

 Those who are idle must settle down and work for a living. They must never tire of doing good in the name of the Lord.

 Application

It is fairly common for people to think that the Lord should provide for their needs and they should not have to work to sustain themselves. We live in a culture of entitlement in which many people, christian and otherwise, think the world owes them a living.

 Paul tells us that we must all work to support ourselves. We must not remain idle because we have a calling to work for God’s good purposes in this world.

Those who are unable to work for wages because of the economy should do voluntary work or engage in some micro-business such as growing vegetables and selling them.

 For people who are tuned into the Holy Spirit, there is always something productive that can be done.

 Prayer

Lord God help me to be fruitful for you today. Amen.

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