Lazy, Hazy Daze

"We were not idle when we were with you,  nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.  We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.  For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.' ”    (2 Thessalonians 3:  7b-10, NIV)

Anyone who has been around me long enough will hear me get on a soapbox about lazy people or the welfare system.  Granted, the welfare system was created with good intentions, but over the course of time, it developed as a method for many individuals to take advantage of it, teaching them to become lazy.   There are those that legitimately need assistance from the government.  But, then there are those who are capable of working, but have chosen not to because of a "monthly check".  You get my point. 

Read the following footnote (from the Life Application Bible) as to what Paul had to say about this matter:

     "Paul explained that when he and his companions were in Thessalonica, they worked hard, buying what they needed rather than becoming a burden to any of the believers.  The rule they followed was, 'If a man will not work, he shall not eat.'  There's a difference between leisure and laziness.  Relaxation and recreation provide a necessary and much needed balance to our lives; but when it is time to work, Christians should jump right in.  We should make the most of our talent and time, doing all we can to provide for ourselves and our dependents.  Rest when you should be resting, and work when you should be working." 

This not only applies to our work environment in society, but it should also apply to the church.  When a person's time and talents are not being used within a local church body, and they are allowing others to "do all the work", should they expect God to bless them?  God has a job for each of us, and we're expected to work for Him.  We all have a part in advancing His kingdom!   

"Idle hands are the devil's workshop"