The one thing that we could all do these days is a future vision such as the one Isaiah seems to suggest for the people of God (65:17-25). Indeed it seems to be a world away especially after Christ suggesting so many dark and awful things that lie in store (Lk. 21:5-19) and with the current state of not only world affairs but those in our own country in terms of poverty, abuse, prejudice, etc. Yet, as Christians we should have this hope that is contained in the visions of Isaiah rather than focussing on the negative aspects of the world. A difficult proposition given that all we see is the dark side of humanity rather than the brighter side of life. We often tend to swing from one to the other as we travel through life and as the world travels through time. There are good times and then there are bad times but for Christians we should be striving for the good knowing that disaster can and often will befall us.
No matter who wrote the second letter to the Thessalonians, the final passages give us a clear understanding as to what is expected of us in the reality of the world. Last week that clarity of thought was based solely on the concept of love, which is true, however there is still something that is perhaps missing. Love is a concept and an attitude of behaviour it is not how we live as there has to be some interaction within the world irrespective of what is to come or is happening in the moment. Love leads us into a way of life that is described in the authors words (3:7-9, 13). It is how we comport ourselves by working within the world doing those things that keep us alive. The writer does not lay down the law and order to the recipients but encourages them by the example of their own behaviour which follows from last week in terms of the golden rule.
I wonder sometimes as to how we can condone the behaviour of some in the work place, particularly the public workplace, which is ultimately wrong in terms of behaviour. We just need to look at politicians and certainly some of those who are way richer than ourselves to see that they often say one thing and do another. This is often what Christians themselves are inclined to do as it appears to be a failing that we all succumb to one way or another. The Christian work ethic of earlier years was transformed into an economic thief known as the Protestant work ethic. Yet, it is still an opportune time to reflect on what it does mean to work in the world as a Christian. It is through such work that God's love is spread if we adhere to our Christian faith and understanding. The work arena is a difficult one for all of us particularly as we strive to understand how to work in difficult circumstances. COVID and economic factors are among the more drastic effects on our work place as well as our ability to obtain employment that satisfies our souls.
However, neither of these things effect the Christian understanding of work which is heavily impacted not by COVID and not by economic perils but by the choices made by the employer and their understanding. Whilst we, to a certain extent, denigrate a work ethic that speaks the truth and sets an example to others in the modern cut throat world it is a Christian way of being. This is demonstrated within Paul's letters and those who emulate him but specifically in the passage from Thessalonians. Love, which is what we are asked to live, requires this sort of behaviour irrespective of the culture or behaviours that are common in the work place of today. The greater achievement is to become God's loved disciple than being top dog within a world that is cut throat and despises the other. The choice to follow the example of God's love within the workplace follows the prophesy of Isaiah. Yet, our current world has dropped us into a bleak future as our choices turn away from Isaiah's vision to those of an apocalyptic end. For those that have moved into the golden phase of retirement this still applies. The workplace has changed to the community in which we live. A world that should be far from cut throat politics and yet is filled with lethargy as well as a lack of motivation to new ways of bringing love into fulfilment. We cannot and should not turn our backs on an ethic of honest work for the greater good of our community. We should rather work in such a manner that demonstrates God's love to the world as we work towards peace and an accepting environment within our communities striving for hope that is demonstrated in love.
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