Wednesday 22nd October
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:9-10
“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. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.’” (NIVUK)
Today we consider ‘sloth’ one of the seven deadly sins, reduced from eight by Pope Gregory in the 6th century. Originally it was closest to a sin, the scourge of monks and hermits, called ‘acedia’. The simplest way to understand how it was eventually defined, many years later, was a temptation to midday siestas! But its root description was a lethargy and spiritual affliction that distanced oneself from God. Hence why it was often the last ‘sin’ to be conquered by monks.
Condemning an afternoon nap seems a little harsh to be included in the list of deadly sins. Paul is talking of something more destructive to community well-being here. Failure to pull one’s weight is one thing, being unwilling to do so is entirely different. Circumstances might mean you are unable to work for a time, but for that to shift to an unwillingness to work – that requires rules and discipline.
The diligence displayed by Paul and his companions – the regular work they undertook to provide for themselves – physically taught the principle he spoke. Paul and his companions practiced what they preached. Their ‘proverb’ reflects one of the original proverbs closely
“The lazy do not roastany game,
but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.” (Proverbs 12:27) (NIVUK)
Those who live moment to moment, with no concern for the future, seeking the pleasure of the hunt without the application required to succeed, have no right to the rewards of the labours of others.
