What is a Christian's work? Am I supposed to be out on the street corners shouting at passers-by all the time? Should I be organizing political rallies against the latest moral outrage in the nation? Should I be intentionally causing an uproar in my community to get people to notice my church?Paul lays it out nicely and succinctly for us in 1 Thessalonians 4:10b-12: "But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quite life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need." Paul told Timothy to instruct them men to pray for all those who are in authority, "so that we may lead a tranquil and quite life in all godliness and dignity" (1 Timothy 2:2).
The Christian is not supposed to be a trouble-maker. I am not commanded to make waves. I am commanded to follow Jesus' example, which might result in some waves, but that's not my intent. My intent is to lead a quiet life.
And I should be working with my hands. I should be doing something to make money. Christians are not leeches. Sometimes a disciple of Christ will fall into some need, and his brethren will help pick up his slack for a little while. The one who eats someone else's bread without paying for it and who does not work hard NOT to be a burden to others is not following the example of Paul and the apostles. Paul said, "If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either" (2 Thessalonians 3:7-10). That doesn't sound like our society today. People call the church building all the time to ask for help paying rent, their utility bills, food, etc. Their vision of the church is a charity organization. But Paul was very clear about this - you better be working in what you can do!
So all of us who are working today: we are doing exactly what a Christian ought to be doing. Let you lights shine, my friends.
God bless,
Nathan
Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Corinthians 1-4
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