For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.
The Protestant Work Ethic, also called the Puritan work ethic, says that there are inherent blessings in living a disciplined and devout Christian life and working hard. Paul here seems to espouse that principle with the church in Thessalonica but it goes far deeper than that. While some in the church there stopped working but waited for Jesus, Paul and his companions worked day and night. This simply means he was bi-vocational. He was a tentmaker by day and worked in his ministry at night. He slept. He rested. His point was that he chose to do this but other missionaries should be supported by the church so they can minister full time.
The Puritan Work Ethic does not mean we should work at all times and never rest. That will result in illness and ineffectiveness. Paul may still have rested on the Sabbath. Our work is worship, not a burden. It should be a joy to serve the Lord but he also gave us the rhythm of rest. Vicki and I are camping for a few days this week so we can regroup for the battle and work in worship. Today, may we as churches support those who labor and toil for the Lord!
Dear Lord, thank you for this privilege of work and we pray that we would worship you at all times. Keep us in prayer for those who labor for you in dangerous lands. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church