Monday, September 3, 2012
2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
GIVING THANKS FOR WORK
Today is Labor Day, a national holiday in the United States. For many that means a day off of work, a day to rest and relax. For many it means a day off of school, a day to spend at the beach before school begins (or continues) anew.
While many don't work on Labor Day, it is clear from the above quoted Scripture that God expects that those who are able to work should work. This Scriptural principle seems to have been forgotten by the society in which we live. It has been replaced with the idea that we are owed life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Many prefer handouts rather than putting their hands to the plow.
The Apostle Paul reminded the Thessalonians and us that it is God's will that we work. In fact, the Spirit of God led Paul to make this bold statement, that "if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat."
God has given each of us different gifts and abilities so that we use them to glorify Him. We work and labor and then give thanks to God who gives us health and strength to arise daily and carry out our duties and tasks. We should rightly thank God for the ability to work, to earn, to purchase what we need to support ourselves.
Let's thank God today that He has given us health, gifts and abilities and jobs. Let's thank God even if unemployed and pray that He bless us that we may glorify Him.
