Days of Praise Podcast
Labor
“We beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.&r... More...
- Duration:
- 2m
- Broadcast on:
- 02 Sep 2024
- Audio Format:
- mp3
Welcome to the Days of Praise podcast. A daily devotional by the Institute for Creation Research. Labor. We beseech you, brethren, that you increase more and more, and that you study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that you may have lack of nothing. 1 Thessalonians 4 tend to 12. On Labor Day, we traditionally take time to recognize the great workforce here in America. From factories to restaurants, from typing pools to machine shops, from school rooms to gas stations, laborers help make the economy run, and on this day, America honors its workforce. The Bible likewise frequently commends those who work. For example, let him that stole, steal no more, but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs. Several of the words in our text are significant. The verbs increase, study, be, do, work, walk, lack are all in the tense, implying a habit or lifestyle. We are thus commended to have a mindset of work, not laziness or expecting others to do for us what we can do for ourselves. The word honestly, elsewhere, is translated decently or properly, and is emphasized in the Greek. There is a proper way to walk. Perhaps Paul was referring to his own example. For you remember, brethren, our labor and travail, for laboring night and day because we would not be chargeable unto any of you. Note that an admonition to continue in brotherly love is the context of our text. For one who refuses to work and becomes a burden to society, exhibits a lack of brotherly love and is a reproach to the community of Christ. Laborers are honored in Scripture, and so is labor. [Music] If you've enjoyed today's devotional, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and please rate and review so more listeners can find us. To support ICR's ministry, visit icr.org/donate. Your gift of any amount helps us reach others with biblical truth and encouragement. Thanks for listening. We hope you'll start each day with day's praise.