God has given most people the ability to work at something. Okay, maybe you’re a young teen and not yet working age. But, if nothing else, this who section on overcoming the obstacle of poverty is a great one to do a Bible study on with an adult whom you may be discipling. Because, a defeatist attitude can come from having so few chances come, if you’re not careful.
We should never be upset at those who earn an honest living. We should be happy for them. Just because God has given us something different doesn’t mean He wants everyone to be down. In fact, Paul faced such laziness among Thessalonians believers that he commanded that those who do not work should not eat. (2 Thess. 3:10)
Paul could not have been talking about people who are truly unable, of course. The Bible says we are to have pity and help them. But, we should at least try to do something. Maybe that something is writing books. (Like this.) Or prose or poetry. Or putting together a Gospel music group. There is much worry about the economy as I write this, and there may be lots of people who are unemployed. It may be very hard to find a job, whereas it was easy in Thessalonica in those days. Sorry, I don’t have a time machine to send you back there. But, God has many amazing ways, if we just let Him guide us. If he has a place for you that will honor Him – that is, legal, where where you won’t be damaging your testimony – He will show you if you ask.
However, God doesn’t expect everyone to be wealthy. That was the whole point of the previous parts. He made some to not be able to do as much. There will be someone better off, and someone worse off, than you everywhere. There are just two questions.
First, are you doing what God wants you to do? Sure, you can have free time. But, once you are out of school, pray, and see what God wants of you. It can be hard for some, because they have spent their lives not sure what to do. Remember, God will fill all the holes in your heart. He never created you just to party. He certainly didn’t create you to abuse your body; He wants to keep you healthy.
Second, are you serving God faithfully? Maybe you’re like me, and God wants you to volunteer in a few different areas. Maybe you have free time so you can be a spiritual mentor to the neighborhood. Yes, I’m talking about young and older people; as Paul told Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth.” (1 Tim. 4:12) You can be a leader. You can visit the elderly and talk with them, like I would my grandparents’ neighbor, you can ran errands, you can do all sorts of things.
You see, that’s all part of being part of the community. And, helping those in your community join the family of God if they’re not already saved.
