2 Thessalonians 3:6-18.  Some among the Thessalonians had apparently stopped working their “day jobs.”  Either they were convinced that Christ had secretly already come (2:2), or they felt that secular work was beneath them.  That attitude was not part of the traditions that Paul had taught them (2:15; 3:6-9).  He encouraged the believers in Thessalonica to keep away from such brothers (3:6).  He wanted to embarrass them back to work (3:14-15).  He encouraged the believers who were working to continue “to do their work quietly and to earn their own living”  (3:12).  We don’t always understand why the LORD puts us in the place where we are, and why he gives us the work that we do. But he has his reasons.  Our work can bring honor and glory to him, even if it doesn’t always seem honorable and glorious to us.

LORD, grant us the wisdom to remain busy at our work as we await your second coming.  We trust you will vindicate our toil and labor.