May 21 “WORK til’ Jesus Comes” 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 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 Thessalonians 3:10-12)
From the time that I could remember, my Daddy would tell me that, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat!” Growing up, there were certain responsibilities that were required of me. As I grew older, those responsibilities also grew. I was in a conversation, recently, with some younger folks, and the question came up about allowances. Each of these guys, were sharing the various amounts that they received on a weekly basis, and the attention was directed to me. “How much did you get?” I really believe that they were all shocked at my response. “I did not receive an allowance!” You see, I was responsible for my assigned duties and, if I wanted anything over the “room and board,” that was on me. Just for clarity…My Daddy did not believe in “Welfare” for an able bodied individual, and that included me! So, I, in my spare time, collected bottles along the roadside, mowed grass, cleaned yards, washed cars, worked in tobacco, picked cucumbers, loaded hay, and a host of other odd jobs. Amazingly, my folks taught me a valuable lesson for living, when they advised me on how to handle the earnings that I worked out. I am grateful that my parents taught me responsibility and thriftiness. Those words of instruction; from my daddy, all those years ago, still resonates with me, and guides me and directs my motivations. Just recently, I saw a sigh, at a local McDonalds, that was offering a $200.00 sign on bonus for workers. My thoughts immediately went to the instructions of my Daddy. How does this apply to our Spiritual Lives? Clearly, if we are “Lazy” in our service to God, and we are “Slack” in our responsibilities of Obedience, then, clearly, we are not “Growing in His Grace!” I am truly grateful that the Father God; loved me enough to send His Son to Die for my sins and to be the advocate, to the Father, for me. I am, also, grateful for parents that instilled a “Work Ethic” in me that was and still is, motivated by LOVE. Regardless of the government programs that encourage “Laziness,” and regardless of the programs designed to be “Allowances,” God requires and expects us to “WORK!” Satan and his minions have done an excellent job of creating a dependent mass of humanity that, are looking to others for their existence. Folks; God requires us to WORK! REMEMBER… “YOU DON’T WORK, YOU DON’T EAT!!” I love the lyrics to an old Doc Watson song. Please let the words direct your dedication and Your SERVICE TO OUR LORD!
We'll Work till Jesus Comes!
O Land of rest for thee I sigh, When shall the moment come, When I shall lay this armor by and dwell in peace at home…
We'll work till Jesus comes, We'll work till Jesus comes, We'll work till Jesus comes, and we'll be gathered home…
There are burdens here we all must bear, With trouble pressing so, There will be no sorrow over there, On heaven's peaceful shore…
We'll work till Jesus comes, We'll work till Jesus comes, We'll work till Jesus comes and we'll be gathered home…
There is work on earth for me and you, According to God's word and whatsoever work we do, Should be done as to the Lord!!!
We'll work till Jesus comes, We'll work till Jesus comes, We'll work till Jesus comes and we'll be gathered home…
Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!