Meaningful Work

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11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. (2 Thessalonians 3:11-13)

Doomsday prepping is not a new phenomenon. At the time that Paul wrote to the faithful gathering in Thessalonica, some there had taken up the notion that the end of the world was near. They had given up regular work, were burdensome to others, creating chaos and encouraging others to do the same. In his letter, Paul reminded this community that while he was with them as their spiritual leader he could have exercised his right to allow others to take care of his needs yet he chose to work. Paul understood that, when done in service to others, our work is a sacred contribution. He had set an intentional example that those who are able to work should do so for their own good and the good of the whole community.

Paul was not advocating for the individualistic, bootstrap mentality, that pervades our culture. Rather, he spoke to a deeper truth: that all forms of contribution, no matter how humble, are vital to the health of the community. This would include those who work in the home, and those who have worked and now have wisdom and guidance to share. When people can see their work - their contributions to society - as valuable, when we all see that workers at every level contribute to our well being, people are more likely to take pride in what they do. Those who value themselves and see their worth to the world beyond themselves will be less prone to destructive behavior. It isn't the work that makes people valuable, it's people who make the work valuable. May God open our eyes to treasure what God treasures, and truly see one another as important and necessary.

21 They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat, for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labor in vain or bear children for calamity, for they shall be offspring blessed by the LORD-- and their descendants as well. 24 Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, but the serpent--its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the LORD. (Isaiah 65:21-25)