2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 reminds us that our work matters. Here we see 6 motivations for our work. Every job, every occupation, every kind of work falls within the believer’s duty. It is amoral calling. It is a spiritual responsibility that we have to honor the Lord and to put His image on display. Let me share those motives with you:
1. Dis-fellowship (v6) The command here is emphatic “in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The idea is to cease fellowship with those who REFUSE to work. That is a sin, and it is unacceptable behavior.
2. Example (v7) We are example to our children and those around us. Work is an example of the value of life, and the importance of being productive in our society.
3. Survival (v10) If you don’t work you don’t eat, if you don’t eat you will die. We work in order to gain the resources we need to survive in this world.
4. Harmony (v11) When we do not have things to do we just become a problem. Remember: idle hands are the devils workshop.
5. Shame (v14). Work gives purpose to life, and people, without any purpose we feel worthless and alone.
6. Love (v15) The greatest gift we give to those around us is the responsibility of doing our job! When we do not do our jobs, others are left with that responsibility, there is nothing more frustrating than having to the work that others are suppose to do. I do my job to demonstrate to those around me that they are important, and that we are apart of a team that is working together to accomplish great things.
So there you have it, 6 Biblical reasons for us to do our work “in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.” (Ephesians 6:5b-8)