No work – no food

nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. - 2 Thessalonians 3v8-10

Sometimes the Bible is just so practical. The issue are not always theological or heavy, but sometimes it just gives clear instruction. Here is one example. ‘If a man doesn’t work he doesn’t deserve to eat.’ If we are not careful we get the idea that because the church is charged to take care of each other that at ‘free ride’ is possible where one is able to live off the largesse of others.

Paul would have no part of that. He had every right, as God’s servant, to depend on the church to meet his needs. That was the right thing for them to do. But Paul decided to set an example for them that every one needs to do their bit.

I think the principle is clear. The body of Christ is no place for slackers. Everyone needs to do their part. If you don’t work you don’t deserve the benefits.

So often I have heard, ‘this church is not meeting our needs.’ And yet those same people are far too often not willing to do anything themselves.

We all need to do our part, or we have no right to expect anything in return,