Living the Protestant ethic in our families

Monday March 7, 2022

Theme : " Living the Protestant ethic in our families " Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

6. We recommend you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to distance yourselves from any brother who lives in disorder, and not according to the instructions you have received from us. 7. You yourselves know how to imitate us, for we have not lived among you in disorder. 8. We didn't eat anyone's bread for free; but, in labor and in pain, we have been at work night and day, so as not to be a burden to any of you. 9. It's not that we didn't have the right, but we wanted to give you in ourselves a model to imitate. 10. For, when we were at your house, we expressly said to you: If someone does not want to work, let him not eat either. 11. We learn, however, that there are some among you who live in disorder, who do not work, but who occupy themselves with trivialities. 12. We invite such people, and we exhort them by the Lord Jesus Christ, to eat their own bread, working peacefully. 13. For you, brothers, do not get tired of doing good. Let's remember:

In the realm of work, the Protestant ethic encourages the valuing of hard work, thrift, and discipline. This ethic presents work as a duty, leading to a common benefit for oneself and for society. Martin Luther is one of the pioneers. In this text, Paul accompanies us towards autonomy to break the system of care for the lazy. The culmination of such an initiative is collective success and therefore the eradication of poverty. This is why everyone must do their part; everyone must bring their stone to the building. This ethic applies just as much in evangelism, God wants every Christian to participate in the spreading of the gospel of salvation. There must not be observers who would profit from the harvest of others. Let's encourage our neighbor to carry out an income-generating activity in order to meet his immediate needs. Paul himself made tents which he sold and he lived on his own income. If there are some who do nothing out of laziness and not for lack of employment; let's help them find work and support themselves. Excellent Monday. Amen Alain Louz.-