2 Thessalonians 3:9-13

“For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat.” vs. 10

From the beginning grace-centered communities have been attractive to freeloaders. In Thessalonica believers eagerly awaiting the return of Christ decided they didn’t need to work anymore, but they still wanted to eat at all the potlucks…and they didn’t even see any reason to bring food. That really got on the nerves of leaders like Paul, and those leaders gave a simple directive: if you don’t work, you shouldn’t expect to eat! We don’t know what effect that command had on those freeloading believers, but it has become a popular maxim ever since. It’s even quoted regularly by politicians in debates about welfare programs. In congregations this verse comes to mind every time there is frustration about lack of participation. When members don’t worship, volunteer or give they’re perceived to be freeloaders and leaders often recommend rules or laws to get them to fall in line. While such a reaction is understandable, and rules can be a blessing, we should also recognize that commands can easily obliterate the spirit of grace that is foundational in a Christ-centered church. Grace is often naturally confused with license, the notion that anything is permissible, but offering law as a corrective only leads to graver errors.

Thought for the Day: What are the basic obligations of discipleship?