A Lazy Christian
All Christians must be industrious, working with their hands to eat and have to give to other people (Ephesians 4:28). Is not the labour of man for himself? Yes, for himself! (Ecclesiastes 6:7). To be a lazy person is to invite hunger to self and family. Paul told the Roman brethren to rejoice “in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” (Romans 12:12-13). Writing to the Thessalonica Christians, Paul said, “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Then, who is a lazy Christian?
To be lazy is to disobey commandment and to walk disorderly and as busybodies (2 Thessalonians 3:11). “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). Since every living soul eats, work is a must for everybody to meet natural desires and demands. Being a Christians does not prevent anyone from workings, rather each adult, male and female, should labour to meet family needs, as well as community and church needs. A responsible person must plan and work actively. Let us pray: Thanks Lord for up to where you assisted us. Interest and strength to work grant to us. Help us to work assiduously. May our labour not be in vain through Christ our blessed Redeemer (Amen).
Like the early Apostles and disciples, Christians today must labour actively for the Lord in His vineyard, and also for their daily bread. “I have shown you in every way, by labouring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35). Paul, a tent-maker like Aquila, worked to feed himself and those working with him (Acts 18:1-3). Thus, Paul was not a liability to any person or any Lord’s Church.
Any indolent person will beg to eat and clothe himself (Proverbs 23:21). Let it be reiterated again, Paul laboured for daily food and for the Lord in His vineyard (2 Thessalonians 3:8-9). This should be the worthy attitude of all Christians today. Christians should not have anything to do with lazy people other than to tell them to work with their hands, “eat their own bread” and cease being indolent (2 Thessalonians 3:12, 14-15).
It is pleasing to God that all Christians should labour, study to be quiet, do their business honestly, so as to avoid disgrace, shame, reproach and lack associated with laziness (1 Thessalonians 4:1, 11-12). Paul did not depend on any person in order to feed himself and colleagues. To be a lazy person is to accept abuses and reproaches from virtually every person. Are you a lazy person? Work with your hands! Cease being lazy!
