“If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” (2 Thess 3 :10b)

Idleness has its degrees. There are those who might consider performing a task that does not soil the hands. Between light and heavy work, they might choose the former. Then there are some who might consider contributing part of a workload. But the epitome of idleness is found in those who spend the whole day in empty talk and gossip, in imposing on people’s hospitality. Paul says “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” (2 Thess 3 :10b) The message is plain and clear. One does not have to feel guilty for not helping such a person.

Paul points out that he and his co-workers work day and night for their food and for God’s work in order to be a visible example for the Thessalonian church to follow.

This reminds me of a foreign friend, GB. He is the reverse of the idleness. When he’s working, he forgets about food and fatigue. But the moment, he’s free, he thinks of nothing but sleep.