“If Anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat”
My Dearest MacKynzie-
I was fortunate to have a father that showed me how money works from an early age. He helped me make the connection between working and earning money. He taught me the importance of saving and delayed gratification by letting me learn hands on. I am thankful to my dad because I would probably be struggling like most of the world if it weren’t for him. Working is not only biblical, but essential for harmony. In my opinion, the lack of motivation to work and the absence of pride for acomplishment is one of our biggest downfalls.
I’m sad to say we live in a time where a lot of people are looking for handouts. I really hope this changes before you are my age. There are many of us busting our booties every day. Then we are required to give a big portion to those that do not work or to things that we do not support. I see many people in my life that expect special treatment because of a situation that they have caused for themselves from bad decisions. Time passes and they do nothing to make their situation better because they are being fed with a silver spoon.
Do not take this as advice to be greedy. From past letters you already know that kindness, compassion and generosity should be practiced in your life every day. There is an invisible line between enabling and being generous and sometimes it is hard to know where the line is. Be careful not to get sucked dry emotionally, financially or spiritually by human mosquitos that don’t even think twice about the impact of their actions. None of us are perfect and there will be times where we all fall down. If you don’t fall then you aren’t living your life with enough passion and energy. I believe that we should help each other up when we fall on our butts. Some people are like toddlers trying to learn how to walk, up down up down up down. This is when we have to make sure that we are not enabling them by not letting them learn how to get up themselves and stand on their own two feet.
It is up to us to create a whole new way of thinking. Could you imagine what this world would be like if everyone that was able worked hard to carry their own weight, plus some? What if everyone learned how to work and save and stand on their own two feet? There would be no more people swimming in debt, small businesses would thrive and there would be plenty to help those that genuinely need help. I love the passage I quoted and want to share the whole thing. Even if you are not a follower of Jesus, this is powerful stuff.
“For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. As of you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have noting to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy but warn him as a brother. ”
Our culture is so backwards. We reward and encourage laziness with never-ending unemployment benefits, welfare, credit cards and bankruptcy. We look down upon the rich as leeches that have somehow done something wrong. In my mind, things are quite the opposite. I can name several people in my life that do not work for what they receive, while as a small business owner I am working enough for three people. I get my money by providing a great service to our community and the company generates jobs and boosts our economy. Yet, I am the bad guy and must pay over and over again to leeches. As you can probably tell, I am very passionate about this topic. Things need to change. Another important part to point out in the passage above is to not regard those that are not willing to work as an enemy but warn them as a brother. This does not mean to rise in hatred or anger, but to offer tough love with firm feet. There were times not too long ago when it was looked down upon to be a leech. Kids movies have even been made about this, the ants working hard all summer to store food for winter and the grasshoppers coming to take it. Let’s all be ants and there will be plenty for everyone.
My loving advice to you. Simple, Work = money. You are entitled to NOTHING that you don’t work for. If you want something, work for it. This includes toys, cars, college, retirement and even health insurance. Spend less than you make and learn how to be a good steward of your money. Do this no matter what everyone else around you is doing. Make sure when the time comes, you find a husband that lives this way too. I am so excited to see you thrive in this part of your life because it is such a great way to live and I know you can do it. Our world needs some great leaders.
My love to you and my prayer for an amazing life! Live to inspire <3 to create!
The purpose of sharing this letter is to inspire you. Please ‘like’ if you found this article useful and please ‘share’ if you want to help inspire others. You never know who is watching ;)