“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this:
If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that
there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not
working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we
command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in
quietness and eat their own bread.” (2 Thess. 3:10-13
NKJV)
Jesus probably spent most of His life working in His family’s
carpentry business. We know almost nothing of His youth from
adolescence until He began His public ministry at about age 30.
But we know that His father was a carpenter (Matt. 13:55) and that
Jesus also practiced the trade (Mark 6:3). Carpenters worked with
wood, metal, and stone to produce furniture and farm implements,
and constructed houses and public buildings.
Jesus may have continued His occupation even after He began to
teach and travel. Rabbis (or teachers) of the day commonly spent
anywhere from one-third to one-half of their time working (most
likely with their hands) to provide for themselves. And while
Jesus’ opponents, many of them rabbis, attacked Him on numerous
grounds, they never accused Him of laziness or freeloading.
Indeed, He was known to them as a carpenter.[1]
That reputation passed on to the early church. Paul tells the
Thessalonians that anyone who has an ability to work should do so.
It is God’s mandate for every believer and is the place where we
can best express the nature of God in everyday life.
Our work allows us to demonstrate integrity. Our work allows us
to provide for our families and others in need. Our work allows us
to often connect with non-believers. Our work allows us to live
out His calling upon our lives. Our work allows us to experience
His power in the midst of daily challenges. Our work can be a
place of worship when we do it with a motive to glorify Him.
Today, view your work the way God views your work. It is your
primary call.
[1] Adapted from Word in life study Bible article,
http://www.ivmdl.org/wil.cfm?study=43