Be a Giver Not a Taker

Today’s Bible Reading:  1 Kings 4-5; 2 Chronicles 2; Psalm 101; 2 Thessalonians 3

Topic: Deception

SCRIPTURE:  2 Thessalonians 3:7-15

⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."

¹¹ We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. ¹² Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. ¹³ And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.

¹⁴ If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. ¹⁵ Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. (2 Thess 3:7-15 NIV)

OBSERVATION:

Paul continues to warn against idleness. The strong injunction against those who expect others to provide for them is stated: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat” (v. 10). Paul and his ministry companions set the example of paying one’s own way and earning what they receive. It was not that they were undeserving of compensation for their ministry labors, it was that they were teaching people by example: Be givers not takers.  

APPLICATION:                                        

This teaching should in no way be taken as an enjoinder against charity. On the contrary, this is a mandate urging charity. We know from other biblical teachings that the poor and the needy, the widows and the orphans, the infirmed and the unable are to be cared and provided for by those of us who are able. The warning is to those who are looking for or expecting a free ride at others’ expense—those who are able to give (even if only meagerly), yet idly take from their neighbors. To such as these we are admonished to treat them sternly that they feel ashamed of their slothfulness (v. 14); but not with malice, but in brotherly love to warn them for their own betterment (v. 15).

PRAYER:

Lord, thank You for the abilities you have given me. Thank You that I am able to provide for myself and to still even lovingly help provide for others. Yet keep me from pride with the realization that I have sometimes been the recipient of the charity of others. That is indeed humbling, but more so humbling is the realization of all You have sacrificed for me that I can never earn. I can never out give You, but in You I can follow the example of living my life as a giver not a taker.

In Christ Jesus. Amen.  –AP