(a) Give an account of Paul's teaching on dignity of labour, in Thessalonians. (b) In...
(a) Give an account of Paul's teaching on dignity of labour, in Thessalonians.
(b) In what three ways does the church uphold the teaching today?
Explanation
(a) Paul in writing to the Thessalonians urged them to stick to the tradition of hard work, and should distance themselves from any brother living in idleness and, should imitate Paul and his men for they worked hard when they were in Thessaionica. Paul reminded the Thessalonians that he and his men did not eat anyone's food / bread without paying for it. "We toiled and laboured day and night that we might not burden any of you". "We had the right but we only wanted to give you an example to copy". He reminded them of the command which they (Paul and his men) gave them: when they were with them 'if any one will not work, let him not eat'. Paul and his men were surprised that in spite of this command, they still heard that some of them were living in idleness, becoming mere busy-bodies. He advised that such a person should be warned as a brother and not as an enemy. Such people should do their work and earn their own living.
(b) How the Church can uphold the teaching today and eliminate idleness in the Society?
(i) Trainning of inmates of orphanages.
(ii) Establishing printing presses, bookshops and some other opportunities, etc.
(iii) Preaching against idleness.
(iv) Establishment of schools, hospitals, vocational centres for giving education to children and people generally.
(v) Some churches have farm settlements, where people are trained for farm work.