Jedidiah Hart
Bib Ideas
#1522
Word Ct. 523
Work and Vocation
Before I write anything, I want to define the terms I am working with. Work: To perform
physical or mental labor; to exert oneself for a definite purpose, esp. to produce something or
make a living... Vocation: a strong conviction that it is one's duty or destiny to follow a particular
profession, a way of life, a course of action, etc. I found both of these definitions in the Oxford
English Dictionary. While these words relate to each other, they are still very different and pose
different meanings in light of 2 Thessalonians 3. Work is more commonly viewed as a means to
an end in life. You work to survive. This is the idea seen from the passage in Thessalonians.
Many people will work a job they despise for most of their life because they pursue money and
benefits. This, however, does not seem to be the problem Paul is addressing. Paul is writing to
these churches, encouraging them and calling them to follow his example. His calling is broader
and reiterates messages he sent to other churches. For instance, in Galatians, Paul writes that we
should not grow weary of doing what is right, for at the right time, we will reap a harvest of
blessings if we do not give up. In Colossians, he says that we should work hard at everything we
do as though we are working for the Lord. Paul does not just say work for the Lord in most
things you do; he says work hard at everything you do. This calling is not something to be taken
lightly. Here in Thessalonians, he discourages idleness and says for them to work all day and
night, as he did if that is what it takes because if you do not work, you should not eat. The part
that stood out to me from this passage is when he says to disassociate yourself from those who
are idle and do not accept this message and work hard so they may feel ashamed. It seems harsh,
but it shows this message's importance. Although it is not explicitly implied, Paul's message
speaks to the fact that we are image-bearers. Many people view work as a burden and even
believe it is a consequence of the fall. Work is anything but that; it is a blessing from God and is
a means by which we have to glorify Him through our actions, attitude, and work ethic. As
Christians, we are ambassadors of Christ, and we should be drawn to work, given that God's first
work was for six days straight to create everything that exists. As Christians, we must refrain
from idle behavior and recognize that we are working not only to survive and avoid idleness but
also to represent Christ and ultimately lead others to him through our words or work ethic. Also,
it is essential to recognize the paradox of God's sovereignty and the duality of man. God does not
need us to work, but he calls us to work, and we must follow through with that call and do it
diligently.
