"For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat."
2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NKJV)
2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NKJV)
When Paul wrote his second letter to the Thessalonians he encouraged them in several areas including personal responsibility, which is what he was talking about in 2 Thessalonians 3:10. Some people did not have their own food to eat and they had to depend on others. While there is a good natural principle here what I want to look at is a spiritual application for this verse. The reason some people don't have much to eat spiritually is because they are not doing much spiritually.
If a person only eats and never does anything physically that person will soon be in a sad physical condition, the same is true spiritually. I have met people who say that they go to church and read the Bible but they never seem to get anything. Sometimes these people start looking for a new church or they get caught up in the latest spiritual fad thinking that is the answer. The real problem could be that while they are taking in spiritual food they are not doing anything with it. If a person is not working naturally, why should they just keep on eating and eating? If a person is not involved in any spiritual work, why would they need more and more spiritual food?
God wants to bless us and teach us from His Word but not so we can just sit around and get more and more. When God teaches us through something we hear in church, or a home group, or somewhere else or when God blesses us it is not just for our benefit, God wants us to do something with what He gives us. If you are in a place where there does not seem to be much spiritual food coming your way don't just point a finger at your pastor or someone else. Take an honest look at yourself to see what you have been doing with the knowledge and ability God has given you. Get involved in your church and where ever else God leads you. As you give out the good things that God has given you watch how He will continue to teach you and help you so that have even more to give!
If a person only eats and never does anything physically that person will soon be in a sad physical condition, the same is true spiritually. I have met people who say that they go to church and read the Bible but they never seem to get anything. Sometimes these people start looking for a new church or they get caught up in the latest spiritual fad thinking that is the answer. The real problem could be that while they are taking in spiritual food they are not doing anything with it. If a person is not working naturally, why should they just keep on eating and eating? If a person is not involved in any spiritual work, why would they need more and more spiritual food?
God wants to bless us and teach us from His Word but not so we can just sit around and get more and more. When God teaches us through something we hear in church, or a home group, or somewhere else or when God blesses us it is not just for our benefit, God wants us to do something with what He gives us. If you are in a place where there does not seem to be much spiritual food coming your way don't just point a finger at your pastor or someone else. Take an honest look at yourself to see what you have been doing with the knowledge and ability God has given you. Get involved in your church and where ever else God leads you. As you give out the good things that God has given you watch how He will continue to teach you and help you so that have even more to give!
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