I think it’s safe to say that our natural tendency is to do as little work as possible. We would rather squeeze by with the minimum – or perhaps a little more if we are over-achievers – than actually consistently do our best work. However, as God’s children, half-hearted work is not the kind of work God calls us to do. This is a passage that we covered last week, but we are returning to it on purpose. Paul has two parallel concerns in this passage: First, that the church would respond correctly to those living in unrepentant disobedience. Second, that those who are disobedient and continue to refuse to work would awaken to the importance of diligence and good work. Last week, we talked about the importance of withdrawing from unrepentant believers. This time, we will learn the importance of hard work. We must pursue the type of work that honors God. In Paul’s exhortation to the Thessalonian church, we find at least four characteristics of the kind of work that brings glory to God. 

1. Godly work follows godly examples. (2 Thess 3:6,8-9) 

Paul probably noticed a tendency among the Thessalonians to use spirituality as an excuse for laziness. Therefore, Paul intentionally set an example to show the people how they could be like Christ. However, some ignored the example anyway. So, what is the point of having an example? There are many purposes of having a good example: they help us understand expectations clearly, they help us see what we need to do and how to do it, and they point the way to walk with Christ. We are called to be examples (2 Tim. 2:2). However, to be good examples, we first need to learn from others who have gone before us. In Thessalonica, Paul is seeking to establish a pattern of behavior for the believers to follow. Part of the reason the idle people were in sin was that they had rejected godly examples who were showing them the way to go. If we work in a way that pleases God, we must find godly men and women whose example we can chase after, even as they chase after Christ. Therefore, the first characteristic of Godly work is it consistently follows godly examples. 

2. Godly work is disciplined. (2 Thess 3:7-8) 

I don’t believe the word “tireless” in these verses is referring to a constant work – an endless persistence that godly work itself never gets tired. Hard work is often tiring. We can see it in Acts 18 when we learn that not only is Paul a missionary, but he also makes a living as a tent maker to earn his keep. Ministry is never easy, but Paul and the other missionaries refused to let weariness slow them down (1 Cor. 9:27). In other words, they were extremely disciplined and determined to do their ministry well and earn their living. Are you disciplined in this way? Do you choose fulfilling responsibility over instant gratification? Are you motivated to provide and not just “sponge off” others? The easier way is always tempting but is rarely beneficial or godlier. Therefore, a characteristic of godly work is discipline. 

3. Godly work is selfless. (2 Thess 3:8-12)

 Work that honors the Lord puts others first. Paul first sets an example for selfless work in how he and the missionary team were considerate of their hosts during their time in Thessalonica (v.8-9). They were diligent not to be a burden to any of the people. They thought first of those who were helping them and thus worked to earn their keep. This is not to say that you should reject hospitality or help when offered, but rather that doing your work in ways that consider others and seeks to avoid becoming a burden to them. The point Paul is trying to make is that if you are an abled-bodied person, you should be working rather than burdening others. Second, Paul states that godly work is selfless in that it minds its own business (v. 11-12). A busybody is someone who doesn’t have much of their own business, so they stick their nose in others. To keep from being this busybody, focus on your own work and concerns. This is not to say that we shouldn’t invest in others, but rather we should be invested for the sake of helping selflessly and not for the gossip. Ultimately, godly work is not only about you, but about being thoughtful, caring, and considerate of others. 

4. Godly work is valuable. (2 Thess 3:13)

In the context of work, to do good is to do work that is deeply and truly valuable. It has a positive impact on the world around you and is effective to provide for those in your care. Even the effort you put in can be considered good in God’s sight as you work diligently. The challenge here is plain; do not grow weary of doing work that is truly good. There are many reasons we might grow weary of doing good – perhaps you’re underappreciated at work or there’s a lack of reward causing the day-to-day effort to seem pointless. However, as we learn to do these things – to be disciplined, selfless workers – we must realize this is what God calls good work. It doesn’t matter whether we get a thank you or any recognition. We must pursue this kind of work with our whole hearts because it is the kind of work that brings glory to God. 

Conclusion

We must pursue the type of work that honors God. It’s our tendency to take the easy road and let others do the work or only do the bare minimum. This is not godly work. Godly work follows godly examples, is disciplined and diligent, is selfless in its motivation, and is truly good work. Does the way you work reflect these characteristics? It doesn’t matter what your work is, it is meant to be this type of work. So, by God’s grace, may we work for His glory. 

Questions for Discussion

1. Consider v. 6, 8-9. Who in your life is an example of godly work? How can you follow their example (or the example of Paul in 2 Thes.)?
2. Read v. 7-8. Do you find it difficult to overcome weariness in your work? How do the principles in this passage motivate discipline?
3. Read v. 10-12. How can you be considerate of others in the way that you work?   
4. Read v. 13. Does the work you do provide value to those around you? If not, what can you change that will make your work truly and deeply good?