2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Working

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example. For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. [2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 NASB]

Paul describes those who are living an unruly or undisciplined life as those who are unwilling to work. Keeping the entirety of scripture in mind, it is clear that there is no judgment against those who are unable to work, either because of age, or physical disability, or any other legitimate reason. Only don't fool yourself into thinking that laziness is a legitimate reason; it is not.

Paul served as an example. Not only did he take the time to preach the gospel, but he worked night and day, earning money for his own food. He was a tent-maker. Lest you think he worked all night and didn't get any sleep, the phrase "night and day" was an idiom in the first century. It meant that he would rise before dawn (as long as it was still dark, it was considered night) to begin work. He probably worked a half day so that he could devote the rest of the time to preaching and teaching the gospel. This is not a lie nor an exaggeration, but a simple statement consistent with the culture of the day.

Paul makes it clear that he had the right to be supported in his ministry, but chose not to be, so that he could be an example. He elaborates on this to the Corinthian church;

My defense to those who examine me is this: Do we not have a right to eat and drink? Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working? Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock? I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things? For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He? Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? [1 Corinthians 9:3-11 NASB]

Clearly, those who devote their lives to full-time ministry deserve to be supported by the church. Paul's example should not be taken as an excuse to withhold a salary from those in the ministry, but as an example of working diligently to make a living.

Of course, there are some who take advantage of others. Some "ministers" whose only aim is to fleece the flock. There are those who are lazy, and depend on the good graces of the church to provide food and assistance with living expenses.

Whatever we do, we must not let those scoundrels discourage us from doing what is good and right. Continue to support the ministry. Continue to feed the poor and hungry. Continue to help those who need help. You might ask, "How do I know the difference between a person who is genuinely in need versus one who just taking advantage?" I would say, if you don't know, then err on the side of compassion. 

Lord God, I thank You for the strength and skills that You have provided so that I can work, and provide food and shelter for my family. I pray that You will give me wisdom and grace as I do my work as unto You.