Why Not Work?

Chuckle: A man was showing his new clock to a friend. “This clock," he said, "will go for 14 days without winding." "Really?" replied his friend, "and how long will it go if you do wind it?"

Quote: "Lose yourself in productive, creative and necessary work, and you will brighten, improve and enhance your own corner of the world. This is your responsibility, your privilege, and your calling." --William Arthur Ward

WHY NOT WORK?

"We were never lazy when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so that we would not be a burden to any of you . . , we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'Whoever does not work shall not eat'" (2 Thessalonians 3:7b-10 NLT).

I want to preface this message by saying that we as individual Christians, churches, other charitable organizations and society in general have a God-given responsibility to care for those who are legitimately in need of assistance -- financial or otherwise. We should never shirk caring for the sick, poor and needy. See the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46.

Our beloved country was built by industrious people with a strong personal work ethic. Most of those in my dad's generation took great pride in their work and never wanted to be accused of being a slacker. They were reluctant to accept charity from anyone as long as they were physically able to earn their own way. Even those who desperately needed help were often embarrassed by accepting it. They cherished their personal independence and worked hard to avoid being dependent upon others. Most would never seek personal gain through dishonest and fraudulent means.

Now, contrast the above with an all to common attitude today that says: "I deserve to be taken care of. I deserve what others have without having to work for it." Some even take pride in the fact that they can dishonestly manipulate the system to receive undeserved financial benefits. Sadly, the stigma formerly attached to dishonest gain no longer exists in the minds of many today. I once had a "Christian" neighbor ask me why I didn't dishonestly claim a disability to increase my tax-free retirement income.

In our passage, Paul advised the church to stop financial support to those who refused to work and persisted in their idleness. He was not advising the church to become cold, uncaring, and cruel to those with legitimate needs. No, just the opposite. However, he knew that idleness by the able-bodied could only be overcome when they learned to value work, not charity, for their livelihood.

The "something for nothing" attitude is all too pervasive in our society. We as Christians need to set the example by reflecting unwavering integrity in every aspect of our lives including our work habits. Like Paul, we should set an example for our family members and others with whom we interact. We must recognize that character and morality in our society can never be legislated, and will come only "If my (God's) people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV).

Love, Jerry & Dotse