THE ECONOMICS OF CHRIST 3

For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: If any one will not work, let him not eat.  For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work (2 Thessalonians 3:10-11).

I was surprised to learn that verse 10 has been a favorite of marxist/socialist proponents--it even appeared in the Soviet constitution.  One of the inherent problems with socialism is that there are a lot of slackers and freeloaders that contribute nothing and are a drag on the economy.  In cases of old-age and disability there has to be some allowances made, otherwise everyone has to contribute equally to receive equally.  It sounds good in theory, but in socialist/marxist economies some are more equal than others.  Party elites and cronies make out like royalty while common folks work and are deprived.  Socialism and marxism sound good in theory, but the reality is quite different.

The Bible does not endorse one form of earthly government.  It may be that the church in Thessalonica, like the one in Jerusalem, formed a more socialistic relationship because the return of the Lord Jesus would be soon--it was a temporary relationship.  But as in all socialistic relationships there were the lazy idlers and slackers and that is why Paul said what he said.  The problem with earthly socialistic governments is that they do not follow God's word and they give to those who refuse to work while taking from honest workers and achievers.  Socialistic experiments in Jerusalem and Thessalonica were voluntary, they were not forced on the members of the church.

I had always assumed that verse 10 was only used by people who favored a market economy.  In a market economy people are free to work as much or as little as they want, but there is always the understanding that the one who works little will receive less than those who work more.  When one experiences the natural consequences of eating less, one will, most likely will be spurred on to work more.  I'm being cynical here, but they will work hard at forming a political party to get the money out of your pocketbook and into their hands.

What is true here is that able bodied people who can work must not be enabled to not work by giving to them inappropriately--it's a sin.  Natural consequences are important teachers if one will be taught.
 
It is interesting to me that both liberals and conservatives claim verse 10.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom