(a) How did Paul treat the problem of idleness among the Thessalonian Christians?
(b) Give three reasons why Christians should engage in gainful employment.
(a) Paul treated the problem of idleness among the Thessalonian Christians in the following ways: Paul commanded the Thessalonian believers to avoid any lazy person among them. He reminded them that he did not extort money from any one of them but had worked hard to earn his living. Paul told them that he had a right as a preacher to depend on them for maintenance, but had chosen to work in order to lay an example for them. He had earlier instructed that anyone who is not willing to work should not eat. He commanded and encouraged the lazy brethren to work hard to earn their living. Paul also advised them as brethren not to be fed up in well-doing. However, he advised that anyone who refuses to obey the instructions in this letter, should be isolated. Such a lazy one should not be regarded as an enemy though. Rather, he should be warned as a brother.
(b) Reasons why Christians should engage in gainful employment are:
(i) Christians should be gainfully employed to avoid undue temptation to do evil.
(ii) They should be willing to take up any legitimate job to earn their living.
(iii) Employed Christians should not be a burden to anyone, parents, relatives and friends.
(iv) Such Christians become assets to themselves and others.
(v) They are happy serving God without murmuring or grudging.
(vi) They become a motivation to other young people around them.
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