(a) Highlight Paul's advice to the Thessalonian Christians on the matter of idleness. [9 marks] (b) State three consequences of idleness in the society. [6 ...

(a) Paul's advice to the Thessalonians on idleness (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

• Paul commanded the believers, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who was living in idleness and not according to the tradition they received.
• He reminded them of his own example: he was not idle among them, nor did he eat anyone's bread without paying, but worked night and day with toil and labour so as not to burden anyone.
• Though as an apostle he had the right to support, he gave up that right to set an example for them to imitate.
• He laid down the rule while he was with them, If anyone will not work, let him not eat.
• He had heard that some among them were living in idleness, doing no work but acting as busybodies, meddling in the affairs of others.
• Such persons he commanded and exhorted in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living (to eat their own bread).
• He urged the rest not to grow weary in doing good, and said that if anyone refused to obey, they should note that person and not associate with him so that he would be ashamed, yet not treat him as an enemy but warn him as a brother.
• He also encouraged them to aspire to live quietly, mind their own affairs and work with their hands, so as to be dependent on no one and command the respect of outsiders.

(b) Three consequences of idleness in society

1. It breeds poverty and want, since the idle cannot provide for themselves or their families.
2. It leads to crime and immorality, as idle hands turn to stealing, gossip and other vices.
3. It hinders national development and burdens others, since idlers depend on the labour of the productive members of society.