(a) What did Paul, from his personal example, teach the Thessalonians about dignity of labour? (b) State two ways by which Christians should uphold this tea...

Answer Details

(a) Paul's teaching on the dignity of labour from his personal example (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13)

When Paul was among the Thessalonians he did not live as an idle person or become a burden to anyone. Although as an apostle he had the right to be supported by the church, he deliberately refused to eat any man's bread without paying for it. Instead he worked with his own hands, labouring night and day, so that he would not be a charge to any of them.

He offered himself as a pattern to be imitated, saying, "For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: If any would not work, neither should he eat." He had heard that some among them were living in idleness, being busybodies and doing no work, while depending on others for food. Paul rebuked such disorderly conduct and commanded them, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to work quietly and earn their own living. He thus taught that labour is honourable, that every believer should be self-supporting, and that idleness leads to disorder and dependence. He further urged the diligent ones not to grow weary in well-doing.

(b) Two ways Christians should uphold this teaching

• Christians should engage in honest and legitimate work to earn their living rather than depending idly on others or resorting to begging.
• Christians should be diligent and hardworking in their chosen callings, doing their work quietly and not being busybodies who meddle in others' affairs.