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I grew up on a five-acre farm on the outskirts of a small Colorado community.       

I was raised in a family with nine siblings. My sisters and I shared everything from beds to clothes. And we shared the work.

One of my favorite early-morning chores was gathering eggs. Pushing open the creaky wooden chicken coop door always sent the hens into a cackling uproar. But I ignored their protest. Moving down the row of straw-filled wooden cubbyholes, I wrestled my hand under the warm breast of the chicken to gather her eggs.

Our parents expected us children from an early age to participate in daily chores and routines. While not always done with a cheerful attitude, we knew what was required of us. No amount of complaining exempted us from doing our part. We learned a good work ethic that has contributed to a productive life for all of us. Sunday was our only day of rest.

Paul is clear; if we don't work, we shouldn’t eat. He addresses those who are lazy and undisciplined. Instead of working, they spend time being busybodies. According to Paul, idle time leads to unhealthy habits, so he urges his readers to settle down and work to earn a living.

Paul also tells them never to tire of doing good. It may be comfortable to sit back and consider that we have done our share when we’re no longer in the workforce. But we can find a neighbor, friend, or stranger who may need a helping hand, a smile, or an encouraging word. We should never tire of doing good.

Thomas Edison said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it's dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

Look for opportunities to engage in productive activity.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)