Monday Memo 1209: Who Do You Work For?

Over the years, I've heard many people quote, or should I say misquote, the Bible that "if you don't work, you don't eat." They interpreted this to mean they had to "get a job" to get paid so they could eat. Let's look at the exact wording and context for what they were referring to.

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12).

It seems that Paul was writing to a church where some people refused to work, instead expecting other believers to take care of them. They spent their time being busybodies, which is interpreted as "to bustle about uselessly or to meddle in things not properly one's concern. It contrasts with meaningful work and productivity." Paul said the church should not take care of people like that.

If someone who doesn't work shouldn't eat, as some have the verse says, then what about someone who is disabled and cannot work? After all, they are not working so they should not eat according to the interpretation mentioned in the opening paragraph. That can't be true, so what was Paul trying to convey here?

Jesus said in John 17:4, "I have brought you [the Father] glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do." Jesus worked but He didn't work for a company. He did God's will and God the Father provided for Him and His disciples. Therefore, if you're willing to do the work God has for you, then He will pay you, and that may or may not involve a company or organization. Your role is to find the work He has for you; His role is to provide for your needs.

This is important in the bigger context of this series, which has focused on your creative purpose and money. If you're willing to do the work God has for you, then you're working for God and He will pay you. For example, I'm writing this Memo, for which I don't get paid. Yet it's been part of my work for 25 years, and God provides in other ways, through my ministry and publishing company. I post material every day on social media, for which I'm not paid—that's my work. As I write, I'm Colombia and have been working hard teaching and training, but the people aren't paying me to be here. I've paid all the expenses for my work here, and God has provided through generous donors.

What work has God given you to do? If you do it, you and your family will have what you need to sustain life from whatever source God chooses to use—and there may be more than one source. Remember that Jesus is your model. He did the work the Father gave Him to do, and He never lacked.

The same will be true for you no matter how big your family or your needs. Make sure you're not giving your time and effort to things that are none of your business but are rather part of God's business for you. If you're willing to do so, God will take care of you. Have a blessed week.