I want you all to read this article to read first before reading anymore of this paper: http://answering-judaism.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/christian-work-ethics-how-to-behave-in.html
With that out the way, I can expand on another topic, the subject of benefits.
Jobseekers Allowance
That is what benefits are called in the UK and as the name implies, they are there for you until you have found a job. It's something you are given if signed up for, but this doesn't mean you are to remain on them forever, they are only there until you found a job.
A Christian while in this state is to actively seek work while they are on this allowance, otherwise they will not receive any more benefits. There must also be an effort to be truthful, earnest searching and careful signing in, lest one be taken to court or prosecuted. Benefits are NOT an excuse to get off work, they are a means to motivate you TO work.
To those who refuse to work
The New Testament gives a severe warning to those who refuse to work:
"2 Thessalonians 3:6 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 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 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.[d]
13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother."
Notice what I have underlined, This is not talking about someone who is trying to find a job and is unsuccessful in finding one. The ones who are seeking work are not condemned by the passage in question. It is also not talking about someone who has a handicap be it physical or mental, because in certain circumstances they cannot take a certain career and there are ways to accommodate that.
Paul is not talking about those people, he is talking about those who actively refuse to work, make excuses not to work and just want to be lazy. Those who are lazy should not be given a meal, but at the same time, they are to be brought to repentance and be ashamed of their laziness.
To those who are refusing to work, Why? What reason do you have? Is it because of your hobbies? If it is, you can still do those, but not in the bosses time. There is a time for everything, Ever read Ecclesiastes 3? God ultimately comes first in all things, your work is to be part of your daily routine and yes, having a job is something God commands you if you are an able bodied individual.
Your hobbies are something to be done either after work when there isn't much to be done or for relaxing or put to the wayside for a time so the work is done. Get your priorities straight.
Also, Refusing to work is a waste of what God has given you. There are individuals who are well known for abusing the system of benefits for absurd reasons, be it Mohammed Salim or Roger Tullgren, See the following links:
Roger Tullgren: http://conservativetribune.com/man-makes-up-insane-addiction/
Mohammed Salim: http://conservativetribune.com/muslim-welfare-abuser-milks/
Check these videos out too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8AYh7QWb_Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeXWT18C-K8 (Swearing in this one, viewer discretion is advised).
Why waste your life by being on the dole? You can have potential and purpose with a job and what better way to glorify God by working an honest wage, with an opportunity to present and live out the Gospel by being a loyal servant? Think of the fact that when the day is over and you have done a good job, that should give you great satisfaction for the service your provided, not only are your customers pleased, but so are your employers, Maybe a chance for great responsibilities can be given to you to handle.
Daniel was a trustworthy wiseman and Joseph, a slave in Egypt, is entrusted the care of Potiphar's entire household? If your boss is pleased with your work, he will trust you with greater things, not to abuse, but to use properly. If however you don't care about those things, I am not sure what to say except, Good luck, you're going to need it, but you'd better think about what you are doing, because God will hold you to account for your sloth and wickedness. Do you want to be associated with lowlifes who appear on the Jeremy Kyle Show and embarrassed in front of a live audience and disgraced for their actions?
Do the following:
"Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!"
Or in the very least, observe other individuals hard at work and be inspired by it. Or more recently, go see or buy it when it comes out the movie Zootopia (Zootropolis in the UK and Australia.
I saw that movie last week on Saturday and this was a funny, sweet and charming movie and it really has some good subtexts, such as making a difference, overcoming prejudice etc. It also brings out the point that despite your background, you can prove that you are capable of doing things and there is a message of not giving up.
Work is the Christian way, Sloth is the way of the world, not taking a break or rest or relaxing, but sloth is the way of the world.
Disability Allowance
This I don't have much say about, this applies if you have a physical or mental illness, again, requires honesty lest court or prosecution come to you. Only apply for this if you do have a genuine physical handicap or mental handicap. Abuse of this is just as existent as abuse of the Jobseekers Allowance, ensure you don't do this.
Conclusion
Benefits when used correctly can be a valuable asset while one is searching for a job, but like any good thing, can be corrupted for evil purposes. May God keep us all from corruption.
Answering Judaism.
No comments:
Post a Comment