10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.[a]
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, ESV
This is Paul’s second letter to the church of Thessalonica. He is addressing a problem that was emerging in the young church. They were getting unnecessarily involved in the affairs of others rather than working hard and providing for their own needs. Paul uses very direct and slightly harsh words when he says to not let a person eat if they are not willing to work. That is key here… they are ABLE to work but UNWILLING to do so. They are idle in responsibility but busy socially.
It’s easy to make the noise of work or present the appearance of work, yet we’re actually practicing idleness. Another possibility often arising is a person who puts more effort into looking as if they are busy working than the actual job would have required.
Having a disciplined work ethic is so important to Paul (as it should be to us) that he is willing to suggest the motivation of hunger to help urge a fellow brother to step out of idleness and into a work ethic that represents Christ well. Instead of trying to ensnare co-workers or family members who are lost in idleness, we need to send a brotherly warning to help them become hard workers who provide for themselves and their families.