6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7-9 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labour we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10-11 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. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living (eat their own bread). 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 English Standard Version

Socialism is a political system that rejects the idea of people owning private property and the means of production, and wants 'the government' to control these things. 'Social welfare' then plays a big part as the government provides for the needs of the population. It sounds good in theory. But what is one of the problems such a system faces in light of what the apostle Paul said to Christians at Thessalonica. (vs 6)

There will be people today, just as there were then, who will exploit the kindness of others to support a life of laziness. Look how strongly God's word puts it in vs 10-11 when it says “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat!” Remember, Paul was writing to people who had become Christians. Imagine how much worse the situation will be among people who are not Christians, and are still led by greed, envy, laziness and immoral desires. Such people will exploit a welfare system as much as they can.

What important values does Paul bring out in vs 7-9 which are needed to make any society function?

Firstly, he and his fellow workers set an example of hard and honest labour. This is the opposite of Communist, Socialist, and even Capitalist societies, where many leaders are greedy and corrupt. They are certainly not good examples. Secondly, Paul and his team always paid for their meals – and other needs. They did not want to live on hand outs. Today, most government officials have dozens of very generous 'perks' on the job and give themselves very generous salaries. Thirdly, Paul and his friends did not want to be a burden on anyone. They didn't want the lives of others made harder so they could live in luxury. Look at countries now, especially Socialist and Communist ones. The leaders live like kings, and most of the population are in poverty.

The very first Christian congregation was probably the most 'social welfare society' that ever existed. We read in Acts 2:44-45 that “all the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” Sadly, even that did not last. Later Chapters of Acts tell us of problems that arose. The flaw with any system is that people have hearts that lean towards a self-centred approach to life. But notice how in the midst of speaking out firmly against exploitation, Paul also had a word of encouragement for those who were doing wrong. (vs 12)

He reminded them of the sort of lifestyle that a follower of Jesus Christ should lead. We ought to quietly get on with honest work. Many of the folk he was writing to may have only been able to find employment in low paying jobs. That is nothing to be ashamed of. It's far better to do a very menial job than to scrounge. Yes, there will come times when illness or old age makes us dependent on the kindness of others. But, until that time comes, we serve the Lord best by earning a living, and even sharing what we earn with people struggling to make ends meet. People who exploit the kindness of others are reallly just stealing. And in Ephesians 4:28 Paul wrote: “If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.” (Paraphrased version) May God help us to live the sort of life that is worth imitating.