EAT YOUR OWN BREAD
Scripture Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. - 2 Thessalonians 3:12
Work is an integral part of our lives. Work is not a curse, as some believe. In Genesis 2, God instructed Adam to tend the garden. It was part of the original mandate of man. Working allows us to partake in God's creation. We maintain what God created. God is glorified when we excel where He has placed us. Ephesians 4:28 gives us another perspective; “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labour, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need." When we juxtapose that with our text, we can deduce the following about work:
- Protection of Property: Let him who stole steal no longer. We must commit to honest work. It is stealing when we adjust weights, move boundaries, falsify documents or refuse to repay our loans. If you reap where you have not sown, you will never cultivate a mind to work.
- Productive Labour. Work with quietness. Avoid covetousness and live within your means. If you borrow money to spend on consumables and luxuries you simply cannot afford, you set yourself up to steal.
- Personal Responsibility. Eat your own bread. He who refuses to work should not eat. Take responsibility for your life and needs.
- Provide for the needs of others. “....that he may have something to give him who has need." God blesses each of us so that we might in turn be a blessing. Our goal must be to prosper in our work so we can also support the needy.
Prayer: Father, grant me the strength and grace to excel in my work and to honour you with my productivity.
