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Devotional for the week – 30 November 2009 Sermon Title: Laziness is Not for Proper Living Why work so hard? Since Jesus is returning soon, why bother? After all, once He returns, we will live with Him in paradise, where life will be forever carefree. These were the thoughts of the Thessalonians whom Paul was addressing in 2 Thessalonians 3.:6. Paul certainly did not agree with this train of thought for Paul, himself worked hard. He was “not idle” (verse 7) and “worked day and night” (verse 8). In fact he was so against idleness that he urges Christians to “keep away from every brother who is idle” who does not do the work of the Lord. (verse 6) But why the insistence on work? There will be Work in Eternity In Isaiah 65, the Lord says “"Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth” (verse 17). God states that in this new dwelling, His people “will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit” (verse 21) and they “will long enjoy the works of their hands.” (verse 22) We work now, because what we do on earth prepares us for what we will do in eternity. The work in eternity will bring us joy. It will be work that will count for something, work that is exciting as we toil together to serve the Lord. Our lack of work Burdens Others Paul specifically states that Christians should continue to support themselves as he had done while he lived among the Thessalonians. Being a craftsman himself, Paul repeated a basic craftsman’s creed which states that " If a man will not work, he shall not eat " (vs. 10b). This does not mean that we should withdraw all support to those who are unable to work due to physical or mental disabilities. Nor was Paul telling us not to be merciful to the many who want to work but are unable to, either because they have been retrenched or they cannot find gainful employment. Rather, Paul is telling us to not aid those who deliberately drop out of work, who decide not to provide for themselves, who prefer to just wait aimlessly for the return of Christ. They expect others to support them in their idleness and thus sponge off the others to survive. Supporting such individuals encourages their laziness. We are therefore told to have nothing to do with them, that they may be ashamed to repent and confess their sin. God commands us to work Proverbs 6:6 says “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” We discover in the book of Genesis that God worked too. It states that that “by the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing” (Gen 2:2). We later learn that God had created man to work. He “took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (Gen 2:15) The Christian, therefore, who does not work disobeys the instruction of God. God rewards those who work. A good example is Daniel. Daniel was a statesman, a top civil servant who reported directly to the king. Daniel served not only one king but five! In those days, a new king would place his own people in his new court and would send the previous ministers and key officials to the gallows. That did not happen to Daniel because he was a committed servant, hardworking and loyal to every king whoever was in power. Daniel worked hard to serve those kings because he knew that is what God wanted him to do. Daniel worked hard for the Lord, not man. His efforts showed him to be a man of integrity. And because he worked hard, God honoured him. John Wesley too worked hard. Born in 1703, he lived for 87 years. During his 53 years of ministry, he travelled 250 miles a day covering about 250,000 miles on horseback. He wrote 400 books, preached 40,000 sermons, wrote about 6,000 songs with his brother, Charles. He spoke in 10 languages. Yet, at 83, he was frustrated with himself for not writing more than 15 hours a day because his eyes hurt. At 86, he was ashamed he could not preach more than twice a day. He chided himself for being in bed at 5.30 in the morning. John Wesley worked hard till his dying day, making every moment of his life count for Jesus. And because of his diligence, God blessed his efforts. There are so many things we can work at. We can teach, offer our services as drivers, fold bulletins, serve as ushers. It just takes effort on our part. The Idle Worker Tends to be a Busybody The mind is always active. Whether we work or are idle, the mind continues to function. And when our minds are not focused on the Lord’s work, it turns its attention to the affairs of others. Paul refers to these individuals as “busybodies” (verse 11). These individuals gossip and spread rumours, hurting others instead of ministering to the needs of those within the faith community who are hurting, lonely, desperate and dying. Paul, therefore, urged members of the Christian community to avoid those who are idle lest we become like them. In contrast to being a busybody, Christians are commanded in the Name of Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat” (verse 12). We are to work with a quiet spirit and to mind our own business. The true believer in his proper living as a diligent worker is a blessing to many. He therefore receives the grace – the undeserved favour and strength of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord says ,“See, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to repay all according to their deeds.” (Revelation. 22:12) When He comes, will we be rewarded? Are we now working in a manner that pleases him, doing the word that deserves a reward from Him? Prayer Response Lord, thank you for the work that you have given me - work that keeps me from being idle, work that prevents me from being a burden to others. Thank you for the strength to do this work, Lord, and for the resources you put at my disposal to do your Will. Forgive me, Lord, for the times when I have been idle. When I have chosen to neglect a brother or sister in need and instead spent that time on myself - engaging in idle chatter that displeases you. Teach me to look out for opportunities to serve you, to pay attention to your voice telling me to help someone in need. Help me always to be grateful for the work you give me. And when you return may you find me at work, busy doing your will. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Devotional based on a sermon by Rev Fred Tan
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