Work or Starve

	If you have noticed the title, you might be wondering where
this study is going to lead. So before this goes any further,
let it be known that I am not against welfare for those that
truly need it, nor am I against disability payments to those who
are truly disabled. Clearly God expects us to take care of those
who are not able to take care of themselves (Ex. 22:25, 23:11;
Psalm 41:1; Prv. 14:21; Mt. 19:21; Luke 14:13-14; Rm. 15:26;
Gal. 2:10). There are some though that would take advantage of
the welfare system and the generosity of others.

	God created man to be a laborious creature. Genesis 2:15 tells
us that "…the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden
of Eden to dress it and to keep it." Man was not made to be a
couch potato but an active, working being. Some seem to think
that their job is getting others to give them money. Let me
reiterate that those who have a legitimate need of help should
get it. However, the apostle Paul gives this exhortation to
those who are physically able: "…this we commanded you, that if
any would not work, neither should he eat" (2 Thessalonians
3:10). Notice that Paul says "would not work" as opposed to
"cannot work". And lest anyone think that Paul did not live what
he preached, look to 2 Thessalonians 3:8-9: "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." Paul set the example for others to
follow. He worked as hard, if not harder, than any of the
apostles. If anyone deserved to be fully supported in their work
for the Lord, Paul did. Nevertheless, Paul was more concerned
about teaching others how they should conduct their lives.
During one of his missionary journeys, Paul traveled to Corinth
and there met Aquila and Priscilla. Scripture also tells us that
Paul "abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they
were tentmakers" (Acts 18:3). Everywhere that Paul went he
preached the gospel of Christ and worked to provide a means of
support for himself. 

	Surely it is should be evident to all Christians that our
Father expects us to have a job that will provide for the needs
of our family. Our jobs also give us the means to "give to him
that needeth" (Eph. 4:28). If you can work and do have a job,
great! If you are not working but are physically able to, than
as God says "neither should you eat".



In Christ, Steve Preston

 
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