Paul
December 18
2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
Sitting and waiting
Paul wrote a second letter to the Christians in Thessalonica to tell them that they shouldn’t just sit around waiting for Jesus to come back, but that they should keep working.
He said: “Fellow believers, we command you to stay away from those who are lazy and refuse to work. You should follow the example we set while we were with you. We paid for our food and worked hard day and night to make a living.
If a person doesn’t work, he shouldn’t eat! We say this because we hear that there are some among you who live lazy lives. As for you who are faithful and obedient, never get tired of doing what is right and good.”
What is the difference between resting and being lazy?
The Bible tells us that it is good to rest. In fact, God even commands us to rest! (Exodus 20:9-11). So, if it is good to take it easy, is there really a difference between resting and laziness?
Laziness is when we don’t do what’s expected of us. For example:
Leaving work unfinished and doing things half-heartedly.
Putting things off that should have been done right away.
Letting others do our share and never offering to help.
Resting is giving our minds and bodies a break. For example;
We rest by taking a break from our daily activities to sleep. The Lord gives sleep to those he loves (Psalm 127:2).
We rest in the Lord by spending time with Him (Psalm 91:1).
We can have fun by spending our free time doing things we really enjoy.
Always work hard and do your best, then you will enjoy a well-deserved rest!
Verse for today
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 6:12