Willing to Work

“If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”

[2 Thessalonians 3:10]

I know many who are unemployed or underemployed in this bad economy and unsteady job market. It is during tough times like these that one’s character can speak volumes.

Some are actively and regularly seeking work, sending out resumes, going on interviews, following up on leads, collecting unemployment for a short time but earnestly desiring to earn their own wages. Others are working two or three temp jobs for wages far less than what they used to make, cutting back on luxuries and sometimes even basics to make ends meet. I have nothing but the highest respect for these hard-working men and women, and I pray that our gracious Lord will continue to care for them, provide for them, comfort them, and (most importantly) work all things to their eternal good in Jesus Christ.

Then there are those who are content to sit on the couch and collect unemployment, doing little if anything to seek a job and earn their own wages. It’s not the unemployment check that bothers me, it’s the laziness and misuse of the system by some that does. I pray that our gracious Lord will turn the hearts and minds of such men and women, instill in them a desire to work hard and earn their own wages, and (most importantly) work all things to their eternal good in Jesus Christ.

Christ’s forgiveness is an amazing thing. It frees us from our greed and selfishness, even as it instills in us a life of love and service to our neighbor. Grant this, Lord, unto us all!