There is so much happening in our nation that it is difficult to keep up with it all. One very troublesome trend over the last several years has been the high unemployment and the extreme difficulty that many have in finding a job. My heart goes out to those who want to work and are persistently looking for work but are unable to find work. (The rest of this article is not directed at these folks, for they are determined to find employment and work.) However, with so many “government programs” available to assist those who are not working, it has become common (and even expected in some circles) for some capable and responsible individuals to choose not to work and just receive the “government assistance.” What is a Christian to do? That is what this article seeks to address. This is not a political matter! This is a Biblical matter! As Christians, we must (1) know what the Bible teaches regarding the matter of “working for a living” and (2) submit ourselves in obedience to whatever it says!
God expects His children to have a job and work! In one of the clearest verses in the Bible, the Lord declares, “If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either” (2 Thess. 3:10, NASB). That’s pretty strong language!
God expects His children to work so that they can help others! Working is not merely a selfish act for selfish gain. A Christian is to “labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need” (Eph. 4:28, ESV). That’s pretty straightforward!
God expects His children to work so that they can take care of their family! It is not the government’s job to take care of our family! It’s ours! The Lord said plainly, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim. 5:8). That’s pretty easy to understand!
God expects His children to work so that they can support His work through the church! Christians are commanded (not just a whimsical wish of God) to “lay something aside” (a financial contribution to the church) “every first day of the week” (1 Cor. 16:1-2). That’s pretty clear!
God expects His children to work and to not be lazy! At least 15 times in the book of Proverbs, God calls out and rebukes “the lazy man” who: “buries his hand in the bowl, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again” (19:24; 26:15); “refuses to labor” (21:25); “turns on his bed” (26:14); etc. Read the book of Proverbs and grasp God’s concept of laziness!
Christians are set apart! We must conform to God’s standard—not society’s! Still, we must be balanced. (Next week)