Challenge No. 1

Over the past few weeks we have been issued challenges from a few sources about what we are doing and the Scriptural basis for it. Some of these challenges come specifically from a quoted Scripture, but mostly they are phrased as a known Biblical precept and wisdom. I do not like these challenges in the natural, they tend to make me defensive and worried.

The extent of that natural reaction has greatly reduced from what it was even a month ago, yet still is frustrates me that I am so weak as to have not yet conquered these emotions. My confidence is in God, and it is only my human weakness that allows myself to be jarred from that standing.

However, I am quickly coming to a place of LOVING those challenges. Every single one has brought us closer and closer to God. Our first recourse is to turn to Him and ask, "What is your heart for us, Lord?" The Spirit within us prompts Scriptures so we look to those and find His words of comfort and encouragement. Then, once the immediate feelings of discouragement and fear have been firmly put back to where they belong (with the enemy - defeated and cast out) He then reveals to us the answers to those challenges.

It is tempting to look at only those Scriptures which support oneself, but either ALL of the Bible is God's Word or none of it. We cannot ignore Scriptures that would seemingly not support a particular position we personally hold. I am speaking here of a general principle as well as the application of that principle to our present circumstances.

Rather than make one epic entry covering all these issues, I want to carefully and prayerfully deal with each one separately. This allows for God to speak His fullness. It also gives room for God's grace to rule in my posts since He has warned me against defending our position. God alone is man's Judge.

1 Corinthians 3:11-15
'For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.'


So, to the first question...

2 Thessalonians 3:10
'For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." '

Firstly, to deal directly with this verse. The intention of this verse, I believe, is about willingness to work and about deliberately being idle. Both Shane and I are eager and willing to do WHATEVER God asks us to do. If that were to go and get paid employment, then we would. This is a question we have laid before Him numerous times and always receive the same response - "No."

While our time is not dictated by the outside needs of a regular job there is indeed the possibility of being idle. Yet even at times when I was sick of waiting around we were still 'doing'. My earlier posts demonstrate some of this. However, our main occupation, consuming most of our days, is seeking God in prayer, praise, worship, Bible reading, and watching/listening to Christian teachings. I still take and process photographs. Shane helps people wherever there is a need. We are turning our hands to whatever we find to do.


Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary (my emphasis)

"would not work - Greek, "is unwilling to work."

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary (my emphasis)

"3:6-15 Those who have received the gospel, are to live according to the gospel. Such as could work, and would not, were not to be maintained in idleness. Christianity is not to countenance slothfulness, which would consume what is meant to encourage the industrious, and to support the sick and afflicted. Industry in our callings as men, is a duty required by our calling as Christians. But some expected to be maintained in idleness, and indulged a curious and conceited temper. They meddled with the concerns of others, and did much harm. It is a great error and abuse of religion, to make it a cloak for idleness or any other sin. The servant who waits for the coming of his Lord aright, must be working as his Lord has commanded. If we are idle, the devil and a corrupt heart will soon find us somewhat to do. The mind of man is a busy thing; if it is not employed in doing good, it will be doing evil. It is an excellent, but rare union, to be active in our own business, yet quiet as to other people's. If any refused to labour with quietness, they were to note him with censure, and to separate from his company, yet they were to seek his good by loving admonitions. The Lords is with you while you are with him. Hold on your way, and hold on to the end. We must never give over, or tire in our work. It will be time enough to rest when we come to heaven."

Secondly, Scriptural responses:

Matthew 6:19-21
'"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.'

Matthew 6:25-27, 31-33
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ... So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.