(a) Outline Paul's teaching on Dignity of Labour. [11 marks] (b) State two ways by which Christians should uphold this teaching. [4 marks]

Answer Details

(a) Paul's teaching on the Dignity of Labour (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

Some members of the Thessalonian church had stopped working, living in idleness and becoming busybodies, partly because of a mistaken belief that the Lord's coming was immediate. Paul corrected this with strong teaching on the value of honest work:

• He commanded the believers, in the name of the Lord Jesus, to keep away from any brother who is living in idleness and not according to the tradition they received.
• He pointed to his own example: "We were not idle when we were with you... we worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you." Though as an apostle he had the right to be supported, he laboured with his own hands to set an example.
• He laid down the rule: "If any one will not work, let him not eat."
• He rebuked those who were mere idlers and busybodies, commanding them to work in quietness and to earn their own living (to eat their own bread).
• He exhorted the faithful, "Do not be weary in well-doing," encouraging them to continue in honest labour and good works.
• In 1 Thessalonians he added that they should "aspire to live quietly, to mind their own affairs, and to work with their hands," so that they may command the respect of outsiders and be dependent on nobody.

Paul thus taught that work is honourable and God-ordained, that idleness is sinful and disgraceful, and that every believer should earn his living by honest labour.

(b) Two ways Christians should uphold this teaching

1. By engaging in honest and diligent work: Christians should be industrious, avoid laziness and idleness, and earn their living lawfully rather than depending on others or on dishonest means.
2. By working to support themselves and to help others: They should labour so as to provide for their own needs, contribute to the church and society, and be able to assist the poor and needy, not becoming a burden to others.