In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
Interesting, no?
I suppose it is this kind of passage that leads some people to believe (incorrectly) that there is a Bible verse that says, "God helps those who help themselves."
But certainly the idea of taking care of yourself appears to be a strong sentiment in this passage. One wonders, would the American meta-narrative of free market capitalism and the pursuit of happiness have been possible without the theological foundation of the so called Protestant work ethic?
I think it is understood that for those who are not able bodied, they could receive the help of the church. Imagine if you will a farmer who gets injured such that he is no longer physically able to do the work of the farmer. Or someone who is a craftsman who loses the usage of hands or has failing eyesight. I would believe that Paul would not throw those people out on the streets but would urge the church to care for them.
One of the things that is interesting about the history of the Christian faith is that even though Christians believe that one day Jesus will bring about the kingdom in fullness and reality, this, as a general rule, has not resulted in Christians doing nothing in terms of trying to right the wrongs of society in the here and now. Christians have been and continue to be at the fore in building hospitals, schools, orphanages, soup kitchens, rehab centers, etc.
So just as there may be a theological foundation for the Protestant work ethic, there is a theological foundation for compassion: the moral teachings of the Hebrew Scriptures, the words and deeds of Jesus and the reality that at a basic level we are all the same - sinners in need of a Savior and bearers (if somewhat faded and mangled) of the image of God.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Paul ends with a blessing of peace and grace. I am curious what the distinguishing mark of his writing. Did Paul have a unique signature? Might he have wrote with a dramatic flourish like one of the famous signers of the Declaration of Independence?
image source: http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/jb/colonial/hancock_2
Or might he have some strange way of writing certain letters or words?
Who knows but apparently their may have been people running around sending letters claiming to be Paul and thus confusing people.
Lord, thank you for the opportunities you provide in my life. Help me to do my best in it. Help me to be grateful for it. Help me to give to the needs of others. Thank you that You have moved in the hearts of special people who become people helpers. Please bless them in their efforts. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment