2 Thessalonians 3: 6-12

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

What does the phrase mean “there’s no such thing as a free lunch?”

Here is one definition – “The economic theory, and also the lay opinion, that whatever goods and services are provided, they must be paid for by someone – i.e. you don’t get something for nothing.”

The Apostle Paul agreed.

As you read the passage above, you’ll see that there was a problem in Thessalonica with people who apparently expected something for nothing. Paul reminds them of his own example of how he worked night and day so he was not a burden to any of the believers and that Paul’s actions were intended as a pattern for others to follow.

Think of the example you set at your workplace or home or school. How would the people you work with describe your work ethic?

Paul’s point is clear. We are not to be busybodies, but busy at work.

So whatever you start to do today, “work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23).