(a) What is Paul's teaching on the dignity of labour ? (b) Give two reasons why we should respect individual professions.

(a) Paul's teaching on the dignity of labour (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

• Paul insists that honest work is a Christian duty. He commanded, If anyone will not work, let him not eat, rebuking idleness as disorderly conduct.
• He set himself as an example, working night and day with his own hands as a tentmaker so as not to be a burden to anyone, though as an apostle he had the right to support.
• He urged believers to aspire to live quietly, to mind their own affairs, and to work with their hands so that they might command the respect of outsiders and depend on nobody.
• He taught that the thief must steal no more but rather labour, doing honest work with his hands, so as to have something to share with the needy.
• Labour is therefore honourable and God-given; it provides for oneself and others, keeps one from becoming a busybody, and is a channel of generosity, not merely a means of survival.
• He encouraged the faithful, Do not grow weary in doing good, showing that diligent work is part of holy living.

(b) Two reasons why we should respect individual professions

1. Every honest profession contributes to the good and progress of society, so all lawful work deserves dignity and respect regardless of its status.
2. All honest labour is service to God and neighbour, since the same God gives different gifts and callings; to despise a profession is to despise the worker and the God who ordained honest work.