CHARACTER PROFILE: YOUR WORK ETHIC, PART 4
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.-2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 (NKJV)
Why is our work ethic such a big deal? Isn't our "work life" something separate and distinct from the rest of our daily routine? Can't a Christian coast while at work and still be a man or woman of spiritual character? The resounding answer from Scripture is NO!
The Bible shows us that people's character at work reflects their character away from work. Who they are on the job is who they are off the job.
This principle is presented to us in 2 Thessalonians. The church of Thessalonica was established by Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 17). He spent a relatively short amount of time with them, but while he was there, he set an important example for them by being a hard worker. The apostle described his own work ethic as one where he worked with labor and toil night and day. I don't get the impression that Paul was waiting around for the break-whistle to blow but, instead, put every ounce of effort into his work.
He went on to use his example as a hard worker to remind the Thessalonians that they could trust in his character as a spiritual leader. In essence Paul said, You saw the content of my character in my work ethic, so now listen and trust in what I have to tell you.
They listened and trusted because they had observed the quality of Paul's character through his willingness to work hard.
Sometimes Christians miss out on opportunities to set a spiritual example because they haven't set an example when it comes to their work ethic. As we've seen, one impacts the other. Let's keep this principle in mind when it comes to the way we work!
Discuss with your group the power of a positive example. Who in your life has modeled a godly work ethic? How did this person shape the way you serve in your workplace today?
Dig into 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15. What did Paul declare about his example? What pattern and purpose did he leave for them? How do verses 10–11 address the issue of laziness? What is God saying to you in this passage?
Decide as a group to write notes of encouragement to the people who have modeled godly work ethics to you. Thank them for their influence and impact.
