Thursday, November 13
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
6 Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother or sister living irresponsibly and not according to the tradition that they received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not irresponsible when we were with you, 8 and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day so that we might not burden any of you. 9 This was not because we do not have that right but in order to give you an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: anyone unwilling to work should not eat. 11 For we hear that some of you are living irresponsibly, mere busybodies, not doing any work. 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 13 Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.
“… 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: anyone unwilling to work should not eat. …”
Unfortunately, some misguided people – folks who believe in Jesus – have taken this quote from Paul and turned it into a national policy for denying food to hungry people. Claiming that Paul explicitly tells the followers of the Lord that those who do not have a job should not receive help amidst food insecurity, they have written national policies to prevent assistance to those in need.
Of course, this isn’t a partisan issue. It’s been used by folks on both sides of the aisle. In doing so, however, they misrepresent what Paul intends. That’s because, in the context of 2 Thessalonians, Paul is writing to a community that believes Jesus’ return is immanent. They believe that they are living in the last days therefore work – or anything else – is immaterial. Jesus is going to make it all better so why bother yourself with life in this world?
Paul isn’t commanding that food be denied to those who are hungry. He’s reminding his listeners that, despite the fact the Jesus may come at any moment, they should continue to live their lives as normally as possible. Rather than kick back, do nothing, and just wait for the coming of the Lord, Paul encourages folks to go about their daily work, do their jobs, participate in family events, take advantage of civic opportunities, etc. In this way, they are giving witness to the importance of life in this world rather than simply waiting on the next.
“Those who do not work should not eat” is not a universal command for all time. It is instead a response to those who would stop living while waiting for the Lord’s return. History had shown us again and again, that those who follow such an ethic inevitably lose their lives, alienate their families, and destroy their communities.
Prayer: Giver of all good gifts. Inspire us by Your Spirit that we may recognize the needs of those around us, especially those who are hungry, provide for their immediate needs, and advocate for policies that ensure long-term help. Amen.