And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us. For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
6. _OUR FATHER WORKS DILIGENTLY._ Our Father is not a lazy person. Jesus revealed this truth. “But Jesus answered them, My Father works hitherto, and I work” – John 5:17 Our Father in heaven has not ceased to work.
Diligence is one of the virtues in God’s kingdom. It is workers that receive wages in the kingdom. No work, no pay – “for the worker deserves his wages” – Luke 10:7.
The son learnt how to work from the Father. One great virtue a father who represent our heavenly Father must pass on to his children is diligence.
It is those who work diligently that rule in God’s kingdom. “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute” – Proverbs 12:24.
Prayer alone doesn’t make a person rich. It is rather when you work that you pray seriously. To pray twenty-four hours a day can never make you rich. God doesn’t bless laziness. He blesses diligence. “He becomes poor that deals with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent makes rich” – Proverbs 10:4.
Praying or fasting without work can only make a person a beggar. And we are not called to be beggars. When Peter left his fishing work to follow Jesus, He became a fisher of men. He rigorously preached the gospel to save lives.
In imitating our heavenly Father, let every earthly father teach his children how to work. One of the principles the early church laid down was that: “You study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you” – 1Thessalonians 4:11. The reason is for them to “have lack of nothing” – 1 Thessalonians 4:12.
Failure to work is punishable by living without food. “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” – 2Thessalonians 3:10. So, no food for the lazy man. No work, no food.
LET’S PRAY
Heavenly Father give me grace enough to always remember, the world we live in, came through work; and it is work that can sustain those that live in it. Holy Spirit strengthen me to work as if it all depends on me so I can pass on to my children a good example in the glorious name of Jesus Christ. Amen Amen Amen
AGREE WITH ME
You are a plant and you just need water to flourish and bear fruit to fulfill your destiny. So, you need to be connected to the Source that never dry. I therefore decree and declare this morning “May your business, finances, career, academics, marriage, family, health, physical person and spiritual person be connected to the Fountain of life, by the Power of the Holy Spirit in the mighty name of Jesus Christ!”
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