Saturday 27 June 2015

No Food for the Lazy Man - Friday June 26, 2015

No Food for the Lazy Man - Friday June 26, 2015

Memorise: For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. - 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 (KJV)

10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 23:1-35; Luke 12:22-48

MESSAGE:

Laziness is not a Christian virtue in any way. Our Lord Jesus Christ made this clear by His lifestyle of hard work while here on earth. A lifestyle of laziness is out rightly rejected in scripture typified by today’s Bible reading. It is amazing that some people are still expecting God to rain manna on earth! It does not work that way anymore. After the children of Israel had settled in the land flowing with milk and honey and they had eaten the old corn of the land, the manna ceased (Joshua 5:11-12). What the Lord expected of them going forward was to cultivate the land and expect His abundant harvest. Some people don’t know that working is a divine attribute. They think the idea of work came as a result of sin. This is far from the truth because God worked, and Jesus Christ even said this in John 5:17:

“But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.”

It was reported to Paul that some so-called brethren were not working in the early Church. Paul quickly responded to the situation with the example of himself, because he was hard-working. Read his testimony in Acts 20:33-34:

“I have coverted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourself know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.”

Some Christians claim that they do not work for a living because they cannot get a job. From personal experience, the truth of the matter is: it is the job of their dreams that they are looking for, and because it is not forthcoming, they stay at home or loaf around, living on other people’s sweat. Such people should look for an alternative job, not only to keep busy but also to earn a modest living. Proverbs 12:11 declares that:

“He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain person is void of understanding.”

Apostle Paul did not depend on any person but God for survival. Despite his extraordinary anointing, he was still a tent maker (Act 18:3). I pray for someone reading this devotional who is currently unemployed: the Lord will provide you with a good job that will enable you to support the work of God and bless the brethren, in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: If you are looking for a white collar job and it is not forthcoming, prayerfully try your hands on something else, and God will bless your effort in Jesus’ Name.

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