2 Thessalonians 3:6-12
A good example is the best sermon. This is what Paul presents in today’s text. He encouraged the brethren to follow genuine Christian example while asking them to dissociate from disorderly brethren. He once again put forward his testimonial for the brethren to read and follow: Orderly behavior, responsible acts, hard work, commitment and not taking undue advantage of others. He re-echoed the commitment to work as an essential Christian virtue: If any would not work, neither should he eat (2Thessalonians 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). Idle hands are the devil’s workshops!
In a jobless economy, there are always idle hands, talebearers, busy bodies, however, the Christian tradition is that of hard work. Paul, though a trained lawyer, sustained his ministry with tent making. This suggest creativity and innovation. He was ready for the mental jobs to survive. Didn’t Moses rear Jethro’s sheep to survive? But he was a prince in Egypt. Didn’t Jacob survive in Uncle Laban’s house with cattle rearing? Yes! Yet, he was heir of the possessions of the stinking-rich Isaac! Hard work innovation and creativity are needed in our days. Pray for these Christian traditions especially for our unemployed population today.
