Work Ethics

"For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat."-2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NIV).

Paul instructs followers to work with their hands, not to be dependent on others, and to walk properly before non-believers (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). Paul had set the example when he had visited them. Believers in the church of Thessalonica must have had a problem with work ethics, since Paul mentioned it in both letters. Christians are not to be lazy and live off of others for their provisions; nor are they to only do a halfway decent job in your work. Proverbs 18:9 says he who is slack in his work is brother to him who destroys (the devil). What statement does that make to non-believers? Believers are to work heartily, like we are working directly for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). We are promised that God has plans for us, for our prosperity and future (Jeremiah 29:11). So, whatever you do, do it to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Your hard work will lead to profit, strengthening the message to non-believers; however, mere words will lead only to ruin (Proverbs 14:23).