SCRIPTURE UNION DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR OCTOBER 14, 2022 (WARNING AGAINST IDLENESS )
TOPIC : WARNING AGAINST IDLENESS
Opening Prayer: Lord, let the light of your word shine into my life as I meditate on your word.
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:6‐18
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any command for me to obey?
• Is there any other Biblical passage that can help me understand this passage better?
MESSAGE
Idleness is a product of laziness and this should not be seen among Christians. An idle man, is a “devil’s workshop” (Proverbs 19:15, 18:9). Some of the avoidable problems we experience today come during moments of idleness. This prompted Apostle Paul to charge Christians to work and make a living and to also keep away from any believer who was (is) living a lazy life. How did Paul and fellow ministers live among Christians according to vs.7‐10?
According to v.11, idleness can lead to meddling into other people’s affairs and over dependence on others. What should be our attitude towards lazy brethren according to vs.6,12 and 14? While the Bible condemns idleness, it (the bible) charges us to be hospitable (1 Timothy 3:2). We must not fail to do good by helping one another especially the poor and the needy. There is a narrow divide between being hospitable and discouraging laziness. We need God’s wisdom to navigate our way through.
Practice/Word Application
And so: “The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labour” (Proverbs 12:24, Amplified Version). Think about this.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Pray for the young people and the unemployment situation in your country.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with
Ephesians 5:20; Ezra 7, 8; Job 34
Daily Guide 14th October 2022 | Scripture Union
