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2 Thessalonians 3 - If Any Will Not Work
2 Thessalonians 3 - If Any Will Not Work
“10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.” (2 Thess. 3:10)
Let’s think about this but in reverse order starting at vs. 13.
“Do not grow weary of doing good”. It is good to care for people, especially brethren, that need food.
BUT, we learned that God has COMMANDED us to do our own ‘work’ and ‘eat our own bread’ (vs. 12).
Such a command was needed because some choose to lead an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies” (vs. 11).
There have always been people who NEED help in providing for themselves. There have always been people who were willing to share with those in need. BUT, there have also always been those who would take the lazy way to life and, while refusing to work, would live off the kindness of benevolent people.
The difference is one of WILL. It is not that they cannot work, although many will feign such a situation, but it is because they will not work (using the KJ version of vs. 10). This requires us to make a judgment call. I know of no easy way to come to such a conclusion nor a sure-fast way of not erring in our judgment. Nonetheless, we must be prudent and make this decision. It would not have been any easier for the 1st-century brethren than it is for us.
Just a few questions: are you helping ANY? Have you done due diligence in vetting their situation?
Hugh DeLong
