Reading: II Thessalonians
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat(II Thess. 3:8-10).
When we read from God’s Word, we frequently encounter verses that appear to have reasonably straightforward meanings. But when we carefully note the context in which the words were spoken, we discover that our initial interpretation was off the mark. Such is the case in the third chapter of Paul’s second Epistle to the congregation at Thessalonica. In it, Paul states rather bluntly that if any would not work, neither should he eat. While on the surface, this seems to be a straightforward directive to limit our acts of compassionate charity, when taken in context, it soon becomes apparent that that was not the message Paul intended to convey.
The situation in the Thessalonian congregation had grown dire. A faction had sprung up within the believers that was so hyper-focused on the earthly return of Jesus that the only thing they were willing to do was watch and wait. They neglected their families, their jobs, and their responsibilities to the congregation as a whole. These people expected everyone else to meet their earthly needs without putting forth any effort themselves. As with most of the early churches, the congregation at Thessalonica operated under the principle of community (Acts 2:44-46), and the resources of the congregation were being strained to the breaking point by these lazy and self-centered members. Paul’s words were intended as a sharp rebuke to the members who were causing the imbalance and a gentle reminder to the rest of the congregation that ‘caring for their brother’ did not mean they were required to allow themselves to be used and taken advantage of.
Over generations, these words have become the battle cry of the smug, the self-righteous, and the judgmental. They are oft-quoted by those who desire to avoid the entanglements of charity and compassion entirely, as well as by those who wish to perform their ‘Christian duty’ only under their own terms. The problem with this, of course, is that it completely contradicts Jesus’ expectations of us. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets (Matt. 7:12). We are called to love and care for others with no strings attached, just as He loves and cares for us. He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise (Luke 3:11). It is not our place to judge if the need is real; it is our responsibility as representatives of Christ to meet the need we see.
As for Paul’s admonishments, we would be wise to take them to heart in the same spirit they were given. Not as a directive to judge others, but as a yardstick against which we can judge ourselves. Are we giving the best of ourselves to God? Are we putting in the necessary work, or are we unfairly taking advantage of the generous natures of those around us? Before attempting to control others, we must first learn to control ourselves.
But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden(Gal. 6:4-5).
Thought For TodayLiving in today’s world is a challenge all Christians must face; God has united us so that we never have to face it alone.
Word Studies1:3 meet = fitting, right; 2:17 stablish = strengthen, make firm; 3:7 disorderly = irresponsibly.
Cross Reference:For II Thess. 1:8: See Is. 1:28. II Thess. 2:3: See Dan. 7:25. II Thess. 2:4: See Ezek. 28:2.
Pray For Staff:Kevin Jennings • Government Officials: Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) • Country: Kyrgyzstan (5,604,212) Central Asia • Major Languages: Kyrgyz, Russian • Restricted Religious Freedom • 75% Muslim; 20% Russian Orthodox; 5% Other (Jewish, Buddhist, Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah Witness, Bahai) • Prayer Suggestion: Amidst uncertainty, seek the guidance of God (Is. 42:16).