Idleness

I was talking with an employee the other day who said that they really enjoyed working almost to a fault whereby it inadvertently some times interfered with family life. I can relate because I view work similarly. I really enjoy working especially when I accomplish something significant. In fact it would seem odd to me not to work. I envision retirement some day as an entirely different kind of work that is full of activities; certainly not sitting around idly twiddling my thumbs, watching the “one-eyed God”, (the television), waiting to die. The Bible is very specific that we were designed to work. Adam and Eve tended God’s garden and cared for God’s creations and they were blissfully happy in so doing. Proverbs tells us that we should go to the ant for an example. Even though there is no king or authority telling the ants what to do, they instinctively gather their food and go about their business. God intended for His creatures to work.



The Bible also is clear about the consequences of not working. In fact our societal views on not working and providing welfare for those who do not work are contrary to the Bible. The Bible states that if one does not work they should not eat. I think that as with most everything, one’s attitude makes the difference. I don’t think we should just “accept” the fact that in order to eat we must work; rather we should approach work enthusiastically and view it as a joyous integral part of our Lord’s design of us. I read an article the other day that spoke of how working and thereby stimulating the brain could ward off Alzheimer’s disease. I do not doubt the validity of that and I’m sure that stimulating the brain in a work environment is quite healthy in more ways than one. I suggest that we should not wistfully long for the day that we can quit working, but instead we should eagerly anticipate what interesting opportunities our work will yield today.



Enjoy your work today. God created you for that purpose.



2 Thess. 3:10

…If anyone will not work, neither shall he

Eat.



How well do you know the Bible?

We are commanded to work in _____________ and to eat our own bread.
Fill in the blank…

2 Thess. 3:12



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For a great Bible research tool, visit http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible

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