Tuesday July 11, 2023

Today is Tuesday, July 11 and we are studying what the Bible says about Christian work.

In the morning, I seek the presence of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I pause to rest, quiet my mind, close my eyes and slow my breathing. I breathe in and out, in and out and center myself on the One who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Holy and Loving God, walk with me on this daily pilgrimage. Show me how to follow in your footsteps, persevere in faithfulness and progress in holiness through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

I praise God for his great love and rejoice with the words of Psalm 127, a Psalm of Ascent.

Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. Psalm 127:3-5

Pause and Pray

Paul had a problem in Thessalonica. Some of the early Christians had quit their jobs, given up their occupations and were not working to feed themselves or their families. They were just sitting around waiting for Jesus to return. Paul admonished them for their idleness. Paul did not expect to receive money for being a traveling evangelist and church leader, he had a trade and was employed wherever he went as a tentmaker. He reminded the Thessalonians that when he, Timothy and Silas visited them the men worked night and day, laboring so they did not burden the church members to supply their needs. Paul did this to make an example for them and us to follow.

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

The concept of diligent daily work with rest on Sunday is the essence of the Christian work ethic. Believers are to be gainfully employed and utilize time wisely, earning whatever is possible to supply our needs and give generously to others. We are to be industrious in our free time, creating and doing in order to bless others and grow fruitful relationships. If we are retired from our occupation, we can invest ourselves faithfully in our families, the church and the world through serving. We wait for Christ’s return with anticipation, but are to continue in our daily work while we wait.

Ask: Which leaning best describes my approach to work – anxious toil, workaholism, and selfish striving? Or time wasting idleness, laziness and sloth?

Pause and Pray

Lord, thank you for reminding me that you are a God who works. You are faithfully and tirelessly working in the world and in my life for good. Show me what it means to live a life devoted to you, working diligently every day. Let my labor be a blessing to the world, my church and my family. Inspire me to utilize my idle moments invested in your kingdom. Motivate me to toil in loving service and be busy for your kingdom. I read the words from 2 Thessalonians again and listen for the message you have for me.

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I consider my current opportunities for work and idleness. Whether I am employed for financial gain or serving others without remuneration, I consider how I approach my work. How am I using my gifts to help other people? What do I do with my spare time? I ruminate on this scripture and consider which words stand out to me the most. Words like idle, burden, unwilling, disruptive, and perhaps even “busybody.” Or words like busy, work, labor, toil, earn and help. I consider how I might imitate Paul’s example of Christian work in my own life this week.

Pause and Pray

Come, Blessed Lord, and analyze the product of my daily toil. Weigh the results of my work and clearly reveal what is of true worth. Do not let me be fooled by the value the world places on my labors, but show me what it means to bear fruit for your kingdom, help the least and the lost, build up and encourage others and invest in relationships. Amen.

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Ephesians 4:28

I leave this time of prayer to invest myself in God’s work in the world, laboring and toiling with the love and joy he provides.

Amen