God Said, "Work."

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
 
WHEN one teaches what ought to be done, it is often in response to what is not being done. As Paul instructed the church on godly work habits, there were some in Thessalonica who were refusing to work and even boasting about it.
    That’s why Paul first wrote make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. One challenge in the early church was many new believers’ anticipation of Jesus’ quick return. Some saw no need to earn income if they would soon be in heaven. Because Paul’s next lesson is on Jesus’ return, this attitude was likely present in Thessalonica. Paul instructed them to live quietly that they would not disturb others with boasting or arguments about their beliefs.
    He wanted them,  instead, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you. The Gentiles in the church came from a culture in which only slaves did manual labor. But Paul reminded them that he is a tent maker. He and the others had worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. (1 Thessalonians 2:9b)
    There are two “so that’s” – two reasons – Paul taught these work habits. The first is so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders. Work displays humility, service and love. A humble person understands he and she is responsible for certain tasks to support a family, a church and a community. Pride says, “Let them do it.” Humility says, “Let me help.” Work serves others with one’s skills. A Christ-centered community is comprised of many people who respect each other as all work together.
    Work honors and obeys God, who took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. (Genesis 2:15). Work is God’s design. A humble, service-oriented attitude is an expression of love and respect to those you work for and those you support with your income. It is also a loving expression of thanksgiving to God, who has made you to work.
    The second reason for work is so that you will not be dependent on anybody. For most of us, this makes sense, and it is a primary reason we work. But just as some in the Thessalonica church were too prideful to work, there are many cultures around the world today that settle into dependency. This is a mark of the sin nature. Disobeying God’s commands, one selfishly believes people should serve and support him. God did not design a welfare state.  Hear Paul’s very direct teaching about this in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”
    Idleness brings a curse. Work brings reward. Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
          Respect and love others. Work for the good of your, so that people will know how to live a godly life.