Shalom,
Scripture references are from,
The SET (Stone Edition Tanach) or the CJB (Complete Jewish Bible) for the OT
and the PNT (Power New Testament ) for the NT unless otherwise specified.
2 Thes 3:7. Indeed you know how it is necessary to imitate us, because we were not lazy among you 8. and we were not eating meals from anyone without paying, but in labor and hardship, working night and day to not burden any of you: 9. not that we do not have authority, a right to be supported, but so that we would give ourselves as an example for you to imitate us. 10. For even when we were with you, we were declaring this to you, that if someone does not want to work then he must not eat. 11. For we hear some among you are walking in an irresponsible manner and not working but being busybodies: 12. and we order such as these and exhort them in the Lord Jesus Messiah, that working in quietness they would eat their own bread. 13. But you, brothers, do not become weary doing what is right. 14. And if anyone does not obey our message in this letter, you must take special notice not to associate with him, so that he would be put to shame: 15. and you must continually not consider him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Welfare for those who are "able" is an abomination before YHVH!
It may require retraining and furthering ones education but idleness of the able is sin!
Even many of the physically handicapped can be trained or retrained to do things from home via a computer. Not all can be and those need our continual help but those who can be, need our help to allow them or make them capable of providing, at the very least, some of their sustenance. They may never become "the best" or even very good but being able to provide some of their own needs allows them a sense of pride or accomplishment and a better self image. Free education for all was one of the best ideas America ever fostered and it really became evident to the world after World War II. From that same time period through the current American administration, "Nationalization" or a.k.a. "Socialism" has always been a bad concept that demoralizes the people and ruins a nation.
"The government that governs least governs best, because the people discipline themselves." Thomas Jefferson
Now where do you think that he came up with that concept?
The problem today is "discipline"!
The people have developed and been sold by politicians a laizai-faire attitude.
Apathy runs amuck!
"I can’t only others can" is the public mantra.
"it’s my right!"; "I deserve it", is the common attitude.
2 Thes 3:10. For even when we were with you, we were declaring this to you, that if someone does not want to work then he MUST not eat. (emphasis added)
Be clear! If one is at all capable of some work, they need to be about it!
Acts 3:2. And a certain man, who was lame from his mother’s womb, was carried, whom they placed every day beside the door of the temple called Beautiful Gate to ask for alms from those going into the temple: 3. who, when he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple, was asking to take money.
Every day this man was "carried" to do his work! Everyday!
He did depend upon others but he did NOT ask it of the government!
At the end of a day he could at least proclaim that he had added to the welfare of the family; that he had contributed. He had not produced a physical product but he had produced an income. He had spent the day doing what he was capable of doing.
Notice also that the people understood this concept and contributed to meet his needs! I am afraid that too many today have the thought that he should stay at home and wait for the check in the mail.
What will they say when the Post Office shuts down?
Oh, wait for the electronic transfer to your bank! They shut down too? Oh! Uh, well just wait and we will add it to the account number that we have placed in your forehead and hand...
Rev 13:15. And it was given to him to give a spirit to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast could also speak and could cause as many of those that would not pay homage to the image of the beast, that they would be killed. (Dn 3:5,6) 16. And he forces everyone, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves, so that he could give them a mark upon their right hand or upon their forehead 17. and so that no one would be able to buy or to sell except the one who had the mark, the name of the beast, or the number of its name.
Even though more and more everyday are becoming weary and are giving up we are to be counted amongst them. Help them, try to retrain or get them retraining as needed. Work with them and encourage them but be prepared! Be prepared because you may also have to cut them off in order to be compassionate to them.
2 Thes 3:13. But you, brothers, do not become weary doing what is right. 14. And if anyone does not obey our message in this letter, you must take special notice not to associate with him, so that he would be put to shame: 15. and you must continually not consider him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Do you know what is right?
Do you know what it is that you should be doing?
Are you doing it?
2 Thes 3:13...do not become weary doing what is right.
Have you wearied in your doing?
