Anglican Devotional 20 August 2026 by The Daily Fountain of the Church Of Nigeria

TOPIC: Avoiding Idleness And Laziness.

READ: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us.

7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you,

8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.

10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.’

11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.

12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.

13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

THE MESSAGE:

In our text today, Apostle Paul warns against idleness and laziness. Though the Thessalonian believers were eagerly waiting for the Second Coming of Christ, Paul urged them to be busy and engage in ventures while doing so. Some of them had stopped working, so Paul reminded them of how they themselves toiled night and day to provide for their needs and not be a burden to any of them. This was to serve to them as an example to follow (verse 9). For emphasis, he declared that “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (verse 10).

Since we must eat daily and do not know the actual day of Jesus’ Second Coming, we must continue in normal daily activities, including engaging in meaningful ventures while waiting. Are you idle? Prayerfully ask God to help you get engaged in something meaningful. Are you unemployed? May the Lord come to your rescue and make you smile very soon. However, you must engage in little things while waiting for that breakthrough!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to overcome every spirit of laziness and idleness while awaiting Your return.