Controversial Statement Or Plain Common Sense?

After reading this short article about an Austin city councilor being criticized for telling a group of Hispanic children to become productive adults so they "don't have to live off of others," it bothers me to see someone always playing the "race card" in order to downplay the truth. Beloved, not only Hispanic children, but all children need to become productive adults so they "don't have to live off of others," i.e., via the welfare system.

In the comments section, I thought Rood Giddance made an excellent comment by stating: "As a Hispanic I don't see a problem with the comment. It's good advice. People are so uptight these days can't say much truth without walking on eggshells. I'm sure some of these kids appreciate the advice if they don't get it at home. Probably bothers the "PC police" more."

Yes, I'm certain that the Austin city councilor "bothered" the "PC police" by making the above comment. Aren't we lucky that the "PC police" weren't around when the apostle Paul made the following statements regarding productivity:

"For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:7-10).

The apostle Paul's above "controversial" statements would definitely not be "politically correct" in talking about our government's welfare system, but Paul simply uses plain common sense language in addressing the brethren in Thessalonica. The apostle Paul believed in teaching adults the value of work and having a good work ethic so they wouldn't have to live off others. In turn, they would teach their children the same work ethic (Deuteronomy 6:1-13; Genesis 18:16-19; Ephesians 6:4; Titus 2:1-5). The bottom line is that the Lord believes in work and productivity! (John 15:1-8; cf. Matthew 20:1-7),

Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets




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