I grew up with a strong work ethic, for which I am thankful. Work is good; it is assigned to us by the Creator. We have reached the place that work is a dirty four letter word. We avoid it at all cost. We are so preoccupied with electronic devices we want nothing to do with expending energy. We want pleasure without ever straining our brains or our muscles. Idleness is a plague. Failing to teach and require work of your children is both a disservice to them and a great failure. Proverbs 6:6 admonished lazy folks to stop and study ants, then the writer makes this application. “How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” (Proverbs 6:9–11 ESV). We are servants of Christ; servants work.
“Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,” (2 Thessalonians 3:6–7 ESV).
