"Work? Who, Me?"

“Work? Who, Me?”

I spent three summers during my high school years working at a Christian camp in upstate New York. The eight or ten staff guys stayed in one cabin which the Camp Director dubbed “Pig Sty #1” in deference to our housekeeping skills (or lack of same). One of my colleagues had a plaque over his bunk stating his labor philosophy: “Work fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours.” While we did our assigned jobs (well, most of the time) we also did our share of goldbricking when we thought we might get away with it. But my camp experiences taught me a work ethic which I’ve tried to carry through my life.

Avoiding work has its humorous moments but there’s also a serious side to it. Paul addressed the issue in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 by writing, “If (one) will not work, (one) shall not eat.” That’s a pretty good indication of the importance of this obligation. But apparently his teaching didn’t make the jump across the Aegean Sea because about ten years later the problem had intensified to the point that he said, “(The one) who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with (his or her) hands, that (one) may have something to share with those in need.” (Ephesians 4:28). So stealing to provide for one’s necessities was to be put off and replaced with labor. Paul himself had set an example by plying his trade as a tent-maker (Acts 18:3) and he expected his fellow believers to earn their keep honestly, not sponge off or steal from others.

But the Apostle gives a reason for his admonition which goes beyond individual or family responsibilities: so we can share with those who need assistance, presumably because they were unable (not unwilling) to provide for themselves. Earlier in his ministry Paul (then still known as Saul) and Barnabas brought an offering from the church at Antioch to help suffering Christians in Judea (Acts 11:27-30). And he reminds the church at Rome of this duty (“Share with God’s people who are in need.”—Romans 12:13).

As humans we tend to be selfish but one of the marks of our “newness” is to be concerned for the “…interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4), not just our own. If I say, “Who, me?” when it comes to working to help others God says, “Yes, you!” So I pray I’ll work willingly, diligently, honestly and devotedly so I can serve others and show my love and obedience to Him.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan