We often say of a person who is unwilling to work that he or she is lazy. Laziness in the Bible is always seen as sinful. “Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! … they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter. But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up?” (Proverbs 6:6-7,9).

The apostle Paul offers an antidote for laziness in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12: “Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: ‘Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.’ Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.”

Take time to pray.

Thank God for the physical gifts and talents He has given you.

Ask the Lord to help you examine your life to make sure that your abilities are being put to use in ways that honor Him.

Ask the Lord to help you encourage your spouse to use his or her gifts properly.

Take time to reflect.

How would you describe your attitude toward work?

How does your work ethic differ from your loved ones?

What could you do to help your loved one use his or her gifts and abilities in useful, God-honoring ways?

Consider these passages for further study on work:

Genesis 2:15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Proverbs 12:11 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
    but those who chase fantasies have no sense.

Proverbs 21:25 The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him,
    because his hands refuse to work.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. ¹¹ For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. ¹² Now we command and exhort such persons in the Lord Jesus Christ to work ^[a]peacefully and eat their own bread.

Great devotional thoughts by Gary Chapman. What are your thoughts on how you work for the Lord?