Tuesday, October 20, 2015

“The Seven Social Sins are:

Wealth without work.
Pleasure without conscience.
Knowledge without character.
Commerce without morality.
Science without humanity.
Worship without sacrifice.
Politics without principle.

 

~ Frederick Lewis Donaldson 

 JEREMIAH 3-4

“ ‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord,

‘I will frown on you no longer,

for I am faithful,’ declares the Lord,

‘I will not be angry forever.

13Only acknowledge your guilt—

you have rebelled against the Lord your God,

you have scattered your favors to foreign gods

under every spreading tree,

and have not obeyed me,’ ”(3:12-13)

 2 THESSALONIANS 3

 7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.(3:7-8)



JOURNAL

The Israelites were unfaithful to God.  They constantly were seeking other Gods. They were never satisfied with the life God had provided them. They wanted more and were willing to sell out to other Gods and countries in order to do so. God was willing to take them back as long as they were willing to acknowledge their actions.

Paul in this part of the letter to the Church is reminding them of his teaching and how the people are to follow his example which was to work and not be idle. To not put a burden on others to provide what could be done for themselves.

There are times when people need help and there are times when I will need it.  However, this is a reminder in both instances to trust God with the provisions I have and to always work to earn the food I eat.  Never should I expect or hope to be cared for by another. However I am commanded to be generous and to care for others in need.  So to me that translates into giving but never expecting. To be an answer but never a burden.