“6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 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. 9 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. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
I understand there is a new therapy group for people who put in 12-to-14-hour days. It's called Workaholics Anonymous. Whenever you get the urge to work too long or too hard you call them up and two people from government offices come over to talk to you.
I suppose it is like the joke what's orange and sleeps two? "The county Highway trucks."
I was listening to a debate between Scott Jensen and Tim Waltz, candidates running for Governor for Minnesota last week. One of the points of contention was how hard it was to find workers to fill the positions needed by employers. During Covid lock down many people got stimulus checks. That helped a great number of people who couldn’t work during shutdowns. When bans lifted employers found it challenging to get employees back to work. Some found it wasn’t worth it as they were getting more money to stay at home than going back to work.
The economy is being affected due to layoffs and unemployment. The different candidates have different opinions as to what helps and what hurts. How do you get people back to work, and how is inflation affecting our country?
The subject in the passage this week deals with work. Much of our lives are spent at work. Many people spend more time with their fellow employees than family members. It is a major part of our human life. God made us for work. However, some people are lazy and do not work when they are able. Even though I am retired and have money to live on, I need to evaluate how I use my time and the place of idleness in my life. There is work to be done, even though it may not be employment.
There are important instructions for believers when it comes to work and rest. Paul concludes this letter with practical instructions for lazy believers.
Application: Today follow the teaching in Ephesians 5:15-16a Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Prayer: Lord, teach me to number my days and make the most use of my time here on earth to the glory of Your Name.
