you're not a burden…

somebody wrote this in the la times opinion page, the editorial page.

it says, there is a lot of criticism of people who do not want to work especially if they collect welfare. most people prefer to work and that is fine but others may prefer to sit in the park, go to the beach or observe the wonders of nature.

now those who dislike working should not be penalized by depriving them of the benefits of our society. there is plenty for all. everybody does not feel the same way about working (now get this) some have built in feelings about it that makes it very unpleasant for them to work. especially when it is required.

now this could be looked upon as an handicap. we don't punish others with handicaps. our society provides for them and should do the same for those with a natural dislike for work.

why can't we live and let live with each to his own style.

folks, the bible says, you work so you're not a burden to other people.

do you remember the mayflower? they came to new world.? one of the mayflower rules was, if you don't work, you don't share in the meals. now where in the world did they get a radical idea like that?

try the bible. look at 2 thessalonians 3.10 (niv), if a man will not work, he shall not eat.  that is pretty strong. no work, no eat.

now notice, it doesn't say, if a man can't work. there are people who can't work and we legitimately need to support them. now folks, that is the churches responsibility not the government. to care for the needy and the poor and the homeless and those who need help.

this is not talking about those kind of people. it is talking about those people who are lazy, who don't want to work and folks, sometimes the worst thing you can do for somebody is to give them charity because it reinforces their laziness.

somebody who needs it, you ought to help them. the bible commands you to help them but it says, if a man will not work then there is no free lunch there are no loaves for loafers. that is what he is saying.

1 timothy 5.8 (niv), if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

those are pretty strong words. he says, if i don't take care of my family i'm worse than an infidel, an unbeliever. i have denied the faith. that is how important, GOD says work is.

it was HIS idea and HE says we do it to support the family.

just a thought from the front porch…