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“"Self-Supporting or a Burden?"”

Thoughts for Today:

A few days ago I stood in line at our local pharmacy behind a young boy who was carefully paying for something he wanted with money he earned by doing chores around the neighborhood. His mother was a little embarrassed by how long it was taking. She explained, "He's been working really hard for the last month to earn enough money to buy this toy. I just couldn't afford to buy it for him." I said, "Don't worry about it. I love seeing kids pay for things they want with the money they've earned. It's a great life lesson."

In our passage today, Paul says, "As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine." So what is his boast? That he had not been a financial burden to the Corinthians. He supported himself with the work of his own hands (tent making), in combination with support provided by the Macedonian churches. Therefore, he could truthfully say that he was not dependent upon, nor a financial burden to the Corinthians.

In 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10, Paul wrote: "For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone?s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.'"

Paul chose to not be a burden to the churches or the people he served. Not because he didn't have the right to ask, but so he could be an example for others to imitate. It's a great lesson for us all to apply. And we need to teach it to our children by first modeling it in our own lives. No one should be a burden to others. We all must contribute in some way by our willingness to work. Just like the boy I met at the pharmacy.

Questions to Ponder:

What has your example been to others observing your life? Has it been one of providing your own support, or are you a financial burden to others? Are you willing to work? Have you been industrious, "laboring and toiling", as Paul says? What is your response -- to be served or to serve?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.