People are filled with misconceptions about religious matters, particular religious organizations, and the Bible itself. We could take an entire year to look at misconceptions on various issues and still leave out many, many subjects. So, beginning with this article, we are going to focus on misconceptions concerning the churches of Christ.

While a fair number of folks have heard of churches of Christ, hardly any know much about them.

People who are not a member of a church of Christ tend to view it as just another denomination. Their religious background has trained them to look at all churches the same. Since they are in a denomination, their friends are in one or the other, and their neighbors are…not to mention the numerous TV and radio shows associated with or promoted by denominations…they see all churches through that prism.

In the past decade or so many so-called non-denominational churches have sprung up. Most of these are old denominations that have removed the name; changed their title. Truthfully, though, they teach and practice the same things as their forefathers; albeit with a little more zeal and pizzazz.

Churches of Christ are not like this.

Let’s clarify something, there are churches that use the designation “church of Christ” that are denominational in their organization, practices, worship, beliefs, teaching, and so on. These are not the ones under discussion here. Rather, we are focusing on churches of Christ that pattern themselves after the New Testament (Rom. 16:16).

The church of Christ in the New Testament is seen in two senses.

First, there is the universal church belonging to Christ; the one He promised to build (Matt. 16:18). This church includes all the saved on earth. When men are converted, when their sins are removed, the Lord adds them to this body of believers (Acts 2:47).

The universal church has one head, Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:22, 23). The head has only one body too (Eph. 2:16; 4:4-6). Naturally, the comparison of the church to the body must necessarily mean one head for the one body; otherwise you have a deformed, defective body.

Inasmuch as there is only one body with one head, there is no head of the church on earth; not the pope, not Joseph Smith, no one. And, there are no earthly headquarters. Heaven is the governmental seat of the kingdom of Christ (not Rome, Salt Lake City, or anywhere else).

Second, the church of Christ is seen on a local level. For instance, Paul wrote to the church of God at Corinth (1 Cor. 1:2). We can read of churches at Jerusalem, Thessalonica, Ephesus, and many other places (Acts 8:1; 1 Thes. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; cf. Acts 20:17).

These churches were not tied together in a denominational super structure. Rather, each was autonomous—self governed—led by duly appointed elders, also known as pastors, shepherds, bishops, or overseers (Acts 20:17, 28-32; Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Phil. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:1-4).

Never in the New Testament is there anything like a denomination.

Members of the local churches did not view “their church” as part of a larger church, which was part of the universal church. Instead, saints understood they were part of the Church of Christ and members of a local congregation, a church of Christ, to worship and work in the Lord’s vineyard.

Churches of Christ that pattern themselves after the New Testament are not just another denomination or part of a denomination. They are simply a group of Christians who have agreed to labor for the Lord and worship together. Correcting this misconception will go a long way to understanding churches of Christ.

1. Love them with all your heart (Titus 2:4).

The love you have for your child will make an incalculable impact on his or her life. It will help your child develop the proper sense of self worth. They will carry it with them even when you make a mistake or they do. Without true love for your child, he or she will be handicap in life. It will be harder for them to love others; to have a proper relationship with others. It will also give them a distorted view of God since our love is based on His.

2. Teach them God’s Word (Deut. 6:6-9).

The surest way to raise a good child is to teach them the Good Book. Even from the womb babies ought to be taught the Bible; it is a habit to form early on. As they grow the lessons and material can be adjusted to suit their needs. If parents wait until their children are 10, 12, 0r 14, it is way too late. In fact, from my observations and what others tell me, if you wait much beyond the first year or two a great deal is lost that may never be recovered.

3. Discipline them properly (Prov. 13:24).

No one likes a brat, unless it is their own. And, even it is their own, there is much grief. The Bible teaches parents to discipline their children. This would include “positive” discipline that does teaching and gives rewards for good behavior. Most parents do not have a problem with this. Where the difficulty comes is giving “negative” discipline. This may be taking away privileges or spanking (not beating). A father that loves his child will chasten him to develop him into a good person (Heb. 12:5-11).

4. Take them to church (Psa. 122:1).

Going to church consistently teaches the children it is a priority in life. It exposes them to the best people in the world, Christians. They can see that others are striving to live for God; others who have troubles but press on; others who are not all that different from them. Bible classes and worship assemblies gives opportunities for them to learn more about God’s Word. Some parents start out doing this, but when the children resist stop saying to force them to go to church will only make it that much worse. Is that how they treat giving them or making them take a bath?

5. Regulate their friends (Prov. 13:20).

The companions our children spend time with will have a great impact on their life. Their attitude, outlook, personality, language, dress, hopes, dreams, and more can all be affected by their friends. It is a God-given duty for parents to keep a close eye on such things. Children may see it as intrusive, especially in the teenage years, but it is necessary. Secretly, some will be thankful, while others may look back years later and see the value of such oversight.

6. Dress them appropriately (Prov. 7:10).

Like it or not, clothing sends a message. Our appearance can say put-together, clean-cut, business-like, laid-back, smooth-talker, self-centered, and many other things. Parents who love their children want the clothing they wear to send the right message to their peers and adults. No mother or father should dress their daughter like a prostitute (again, Prov. 7:10). They should not allow their son to walk around looking like a hip-hop “artist” who cannot keep his pants up without holding them (you know what I mean). Rather, we ought to dress our children to send the message of self-respect, decent, and modest. This will help establish a mindset and, hopefully, a life-long habit.

7. Get them involved in good works (Titus 2:14).

Children need to see the importance of doing good. They will learn to appreciate what they have as you help the less fortunate. They will see you fulfilling God’s command to love your neighbor (Lk. 10:25-37). It will develop a heart of compassion and help them understand God’s care for us. This should also include kindness toward your parents. As you children grow and see this being done, it will stick with them when they are older…and you are too. In other words, in later years you can reap the benefits of raising good children.

"Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications" (Psa. 130:1, 2).

We need to offer prayer in all matters, temporal and spiritual.

Temporal

In temporal matters we face challenges every day. David serves as an example of this. When he was being pursued by Saul, due to no fault of his own, David turned to God (1 Sam. 19:1-12). He asked God to deliver him from his enemies, the workers of iniquity who were bloodthirsty (Psa. 59:1-4). He looked to God as his refuge during these troublesome times (Psa. 57:1).

David also prayed to God when his newborn son was sick and dying (2 Sam. 12:15, 16). This example shows us that he petitioned God when it mattered, not after the problem had passed (2 Sam. 12:20-23).

We, too, need to look to God in all situations. We are to cast all our care on Him, because He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:6, 7). This is true in persecution and sickness.

Today we likely do not have a king or ruler of the nation chasing us through the country determined to kill us. Yet, we do face those who would do us harm. They either want to harm our reputation or personally demean and destroy us. Our enemies may call us names, slander, or gossip about us. They might even verbally assault us in front of others to humiliate us. However the persecution is manifest, it is still persecution and it still is a problem we must deal with. Too, it can really hurt. The way through it is by trusting in God, seeking refuge in Him.

We also must face the reality of frail bodies, whether it is our own or those of our loved ones. Most often we see the health of our parents deteriorate over time. Sometimes it seems that within the space of a few months they go down fast. It is heart breaking to see a parent, once viewed as strong and healthy when you were a child, to become frail and feeble. Still, even more difficult, is the time when a parent must watch their little child go through serious health problems or facing death. What can we do? Doctors, nurses, medicines, and surgeries can only do so much and sometimes nothing at all. We have to find support in God. He has the power to heal and help, and will if it is His will. If not, He can sustain us through the trial.

Spiritual

David continues to serve as an example of one who faced great spiritual challenges. The one that stands out the most is his sin with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11, 12). After he was confronted with his sin, he did not reject God or His prophet, but humbled himself. He prayed, "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions" (Psa. 51:1). He sought God’s forgiveness while openly admitting his sin (Psa. 51:2-4).

We further know that David transgressed when he numbered Israel (2 Sam. 24). His trust in God had failed. He began to look to the power of men, the strength of his army. For this, God punished not only David, but also Israel. Recognizing his sin, David placed himself in the hands of the Almighty God (2 Sam. 24:10-17).

There are times when we face spiritual problems. It may be that we sin against God in pride and rebellion. Perhaps we fail to pray, study, or give thanks as we ought (1 Thes. 5:17; 2 Pet. 3:18; Phil. 4:6, 7). There are times when we sin against man by lying, cheating, or cursing. However it is that we sin, we must go before God. When in sin, we need to confess it to God (1 Jn. 1:8-10). It is not that He does not know what we have done, but it is a matter of honesty and an apology on our part. If our sin is before or against men, we need to confess it before them (Jas. 5:16).

In The Depths

Let us also realize that we must recognize how low we go. It was in the "depths" that the Psalmist prayed to God. When some people hit hard times, they turn to booze and drugs. Others seek fulfillment and happiness in sex. Still, many people turn to their peers who do not have a godly attitude and outlook on life.

When we hit rock bottom, let us be like the prodigal son and turn to our benevolent Father (Lk. 15:14-19). He will receive us back if we are leaving sin. If we are simply going through difficult times–facing temptation, sickness, persecution–He will surely give us comfort and strength to endure (2 Cor. 1:3-5).

Recent news reports say that Miss California is in hot water because of an answer to a question. During the Miss USA Pageant she was asked about homosexual marriage and replied she was against it; that marriage should between a man and a woman. The sodomite host was angry and let everyone know on his internet site. Others have piled on as well.

There are several biblical lessons here.

First, Miss California is right about marriage, it is between a man and woman. God made it this way and no man or nation has the right to change it (Gen. 2:24). In fact, no one can truly change it because God does not recognize the sinful activities between two men as a marriage, no matter what the state or anyone else says. Marriage is reserved for those who have the right to it according to God’s word, and that does not include two men or two women getting married.

Second, the enemy is evil and hypocritical. The pro-homosexual movement demands rights. They want the right to “marry,” the right to benefits, the right to protections in the work force, and much more. However, they do not believe in the right of anyone to oppose them and their agenda. If someone speaks out, as Miss California did, they launch an all-out assault calling names and impugning the intelligence, compassion, reason, motivation, and character of their opponent, as well as threats in some cases. The devil uses this tactic to try and silence those who speak truth (Acts 4:18-20; 24:5, 6). It is time for those who believe God’s word to speak out against sodomy and not be intimidated by those who advocate it.

Finally, it is sad that a true statement was given by a sinner. We do not know Miss California’s religious affiliation. However, one that is for sure, she does not follow God’s word. If she did, she would not be parading around in public in a bikini. God commands modesty of men and women (1 Tim. 2:9, 10; 1 Pet. 3:1, 2). When a woman (or man) goes out in public in what is essentially underwear, she is not modest. Rather, she is guilty of uncleanness (Gal. 5:19). The truth is often handicap this way. The one speaking it is committing a blatant sin while condemning another. This is hypocritical and damaging to the cause of God. Let us be determined to live by the truth, as well as speak it.

The Bible describes angels as amazing beings. Their appearance often excited fear and dread in the hearts of men (Lk. 1:11, 12, 28, 29). The strength of angels is unquestionable, as one slew 185,000 men of the Assyrian army (2 Kgs. 19:35). Though powerful and fear inspiring, angels are the friends of those who love God (Lk. 2:9, 10).

God uses angels in fulfilling His will and helping His own (Heb. 1:13, 14). In Bible times, angels were manifest to men in visions and more. Cornelius saw an angel who told him to send for Peter (Acts 10:3). An angel helped Peter escape prison (Acts 12:7). Today, angels will not appear to us in visions, nor open prison doors for us. However, God still uses them in His providence. Exactly how they are used in God’s providence is beyond our understanding, but they are still “ministering spirits.” Too, the Bible teaches angels are those who help us cross from this life into the next. “So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom” (Lk. 16:22).

The Afterlife According To Luke 16

In Luke 16:19-31, we have the account of the rich man and Lazarus. We are blessed with this revelation as the Lord pulls back the curtain on the afterlife. Many lessons can be gleaned from this passage, but we will stick to three.

We know the circumstances of men often change when they pass over to the other side (Lk. 16:19-23). The rich man was blessed with worldly goods, privileges, and luxury. It is fair to say he trusted in them and was consumed by them. Lazarus, on the other hand, had a life of affliction and suffering, but had faith in God. In the hadean world the rich man was afflicted and Lazarus privileged. Circumstances change.

The account also teaches us that all men die, whether rich or poor (1 Cor. 15:22). The rich man’s life was not spared by his wealth. His riches and luxuries came to an abrupt end. Lazarus’ physical suffering ceased. Nothing on this earth lasts forever. Everything, pleasures and pain, will come to an end.

All men go to Hades after death. The rich man found himself in torments; experiencing pain, suffering, guilt, worry. Lazarus was in paradise (Abraham’s bosom) enjoying peace, rest, contentment, and satisfaction. These are the only two conditions in the realm of the unseen, Hades, the place where souls go to await the great resurrection day.

The Innocent Go To Paradise

Those who are innocent by virtue of the blood of Christ go to paradise. We know all men sin (Rom. 3:23). This sin separates them from God (Isa. 59:1, 2). They are guilty of violating the law of God and stand condemned.

God has provided a way for men to escape this condemnation. When anyone obeys the gospel in faith, repentance, and baptism, his sins are washed away (Acts 2:38). These are those who are redeemed in Him (Eph. 1:7). The ones who stay faithful will have an eternal home in heaven (Rev. 14:13). The reason is they are innocent because the blood of Christ has taken away their sins.

The other group that is innocent are those who never sinned. They are innocent by virtue of purity (Lk. 18:15-17). These would include the mentally handicap, infants, and children who did not reach the age of accountability. They never sinned because they were never responsible.

It is worth noting that all in paradise will have a home in heaven (Rev. 20:11-21:1; 22:14, 15). The innocent in paradise will receive an eternal reward, but those who are guilty will be punished forever.

A Great Company In Paradise

Have you ever really stopped to consider who is in paradise?

Men of faith are in paradise. Abel is (Heb. 11:4). So is Enoch (Heb. 11:5). Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, David, Samuel, and the prophets are there (Heb. 11:7-32). These are all men who faithfully served God; mighty men of God. Moses and Elijah are there too (Matt. 17:3). Stephen, James, Peter, and Paul are there waiting the judgment (Acts 7, 12; 2 Pet. 1:12-15; 2 Tim. 4:6-8). Just think of this: we will get to see them there. They will greet us in paradise. Just as Lazarus was in Abraham’s bosom, so it will be with us. The account of Hades in Luke 16 shows us that men have their memories and can communicate in paradise. Just to what extent or depth this goes, we do not know, but it is a fascinating thought.

Further, women of faith are in paradise. Sarah, Rebekah, Leah, and Rahab are all there (Heb. 11:11-31). Do you suppose Deborah is there? Me too. Esther, the great queen who save Israel is there. Ruth is there. Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene are there (Jn. 19:25). Mary the sister of Lazarus and Mary the mother of Jesus are there. Is there any doubt about this? Priscilla and Anna the prophetess are there (Rom. 16:3; Lk. 2:36-38). They will greet us along with the men.

Here is something mothers can appreciate. When Lazarus died and was carried by the angels to paradise, he was in Abraham’s bosom. He was comforted by the father of us all. A mother who loses a child can draw comfort from the fact that that precious soul will be cared for and comforted by these women of faith. You sweet child will not lack.

Take Comfort In Paradise

We are not to sorrow as those who have no hope (1 Thes. 4:13-18). We will sorrow, it is only natural. Jesus wept at Lazarus’ grave. The sorrow we have is not to be like the world. Their sorrow is hopeless and destitute. We have hope that Christians will go to paradise and on to heaven one day. Those who are “safe” are guaranteed to be in paradise and a home in heaven.

Our innocent loved ones who go on before us will enjoy great blessings. They will not experience physical suffering anymore (Lk. 16:25). No more heartaches or sorrows will invade their lives. Spiritual battles will end and temptation will be no more. They will be beyond the reach of Satan! Too, it is a blessed thought to know that when they pass from this life into the next, they will be carried in the arms of angels.

I have heard of Max Lucado for about a decade. He became very popular through his books and has since developed into an entire industry. I do not begrudge his success in terms of being liked or his financial prosperity. If a man can have these things and continue to be faithful to the Lord, more power to him.

Though I have known of Ludaco for a long time, I never did read one of his books, until recently, that is. Why? I really do not know. I wanted to, but just did not get around to it…and have mixed emotions now that I have.

In one sense I am happy about reading his book, 3:16, because it gave me insight into who he is and what he teaches. In another sense I am saddened because Lucado is a pitiful writer (in my opinion) and worse gospel teacher (in light of the New Testament). I truly am amazed he ever received a writing contract and distribution deal if all of his work is like 3:16. However, poor writing style aside, his doctrine is what this review is about.

The Good…Sort Of

Not all of 3:16 is worthless. The book does defend Jesus as the one-and-only Savior. He presents God as a being of love and justice.

In chapter 10 Lucado addresses the issue of hell. He defends a literal interpretation of the Bible’s teaching on hell.  He says with regard to Matthew 7:23, “This verse escorts us to the most somber of Christian realities: hell.” Something modern men and even some so-called Christians are now denying hell is real.

This is about all the good in the book. As you will see below, however, they also have their problems.

The Bad

3:16 advocates a form of Calvinism. Lucado states, “God handles the task, start to finish,” with regard to the new birth. He said, “Born again. Birth, by definition, is a passive act. The enwombed child contributes nothing to the delivery” (6). If the parallel between a physical birth and spiritual birth are true in this sense, then God chooses who will and will not be born again. Man would have nothing whatsoever to do with it. Thus, God sends men to hell without any contribution on their part; it would be passive.

The Bible teaches that men have a part in their salvation. A man must hear and obey the gospel (Rom. 10:9-17). Jesus’ teaching about the wise man and the foolish man demands man has a part. He said the wise man heard and did what He said, but the foolish man heard and did not do (Matt. 7:24-27). We do exert effort. We exercise our free will, accept the Bible’s teaching, and apply it to our life by taking action with regard to it. The Bible is right, Lucado is wrong.

The Ugly

Back to the issue of hell: Lucado claims hell is a physical place. He says, “Words such as body, finger, and tongue presuppose a physical state in which a throat longs for water and a person begs for relief—physical relief” with reference to Matthew 10:28 and Luke 16:24 (95).

First, Matthew 10 and Luke 16 are discussing two different topics. In the former Jesus referred to hell, the eternal dwelling place of the devil, his angels, and all the wicked. In the latter Jesus referred to Hades, the realm of the unseen, where spirits go to await the resurrection (Lk. 16:23). No bodies exist in Hades. When the rich man died his body was in a tomb, while his spirit was in torments (Lk. 16:22, 23; cf. Jas. 2:26). Same with Lazarus. Same with all who die.

Second, the Bible does teach that all will be raised and given a body suited for eternal existence (Jn. 5:28, 29; 1 Cor. 15:22, 35-49). First Corinthians 15 teaches that we do not know what kind of body it will be, but it will not be like the one we now have. Just as a kernel of corn and the corn stalk are different, so our temporal tabernacle and eternal one will be different.

Here is the real problem with claiming hell is an actual physical, geographical place, like Iowa. 3:16 also claims heaven is a physical place. With reference to the physical earth he says,

Why obliterate a work of art? God never denounced his earth, just our mistreatment of it. Besides, he is the God of reclamation, not extermination. He restores, recovers, renews. Expect and look for him to do it again—to renew and reclaim every square inch of what is rightfully his (106).

The Bible teaches the material universe will be utterly destroyed.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved…the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat (2 Pet. 3:10-12).

Yes, there will be a “new heavens and new earth,” but to claim these will be like the old ones is an oxymoron. If they are new, they cannot be like the old. It is like saying the New Testament is the Old Testament recreated. Nonsense!

Lucado outdoes himself on page 110. He advocates having occupations in the new earthly heaven. He says, “You might oversee the orbit of a distant planetary system…design a mural in the new city…monitor the expansion of a new species of plants or animals.” Again, “Architects in Moscow might draw blueprints in the new Liverpool. We will feast in heaven; you may be a cook on Saturn…he may entrust you with the care and feeding of an Africa or two.”

He has truly lost his mind. His ability to study and explain the precious Word of God is gone, completely. Whatever he may have had at one time is there no longer. “For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him” (Matt. 13:12). His philosophy is a cross between Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons; both cults. The JWs have always taught the recreation of the earth, life on earth forever with only 144,000 going to heaven. Lucado goes one step further by putting all the redeemed on earth, including Jesus. The Mormons teach that man can ascend to godhood and have his own planet(s) over which he may rule.

What 3:16 shows is the depth of materialism in religious circles. Heaven is the dwelling place of God, now (1 Kgs. 8:30, 39, 43, 49); not something that will come into existence after the judgment, especially a scrubbed-down, warmed-over earth. It is a place where its citizens will praise God forevermore. Physical attributes given to heaven, or God for that matter, are done merely to help us earthly beings have some type of concept of its glory and beauty (Rev. 21, 22). It is not intended to convey an earth-like existence in the hereafter.

Finally, if God is in the renewing and reclaiming business, then what will happen with all His creatures in hell, including the devil? Will He not eventually reclaim them? All souls are His (Eze. 18:4). Thus, as Lucado said of God, He will “renew and reclaim every square inch of what is rightfully his.” Is this only the non-human creation? Is that which is made in His image banished to eternal punishment and corruption, while the rest of creation enjoys a new, eternal bliss? My prediction is that before long, Lucado will “re-create” his view on hell and annihilate it altogether.

My admonition to you is be careful who you listen to. Jesus said, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, For so did their fathers to the false prophets” (Lk. 6:26). Wide popularity and teaching the truth are not compatible. Jesus, the ultimate teacher of truth, was crucified for it. Paul was relentlessly persecuted, pursued from town to town, and, legend says, eventually beheaded in Rome. False teachers, on the other hand, are praised and promoted. Examine everything, every man teaches in light of the Scripture, including me (Acts 17:11; 1 Thes. 5:21; 1 Jn. 4:1-6).

Contained within the New Testament are several references to doors. Let us notice a few.

A Door On Which To Knock

In His Sermon on the Mount, the Savior said, “…knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matt. 7:7). The idea is that there is a door on which we must knock to have it opened and receive the blessings on the other side. That is, we must seek the righteousness of God. It requires action on our part. We cannot expect the Lord to enter our lives against our will. Rather, the Bible says, “…the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17). We can rejoice in the promise that when we knock, “it will be opened” (Matt. 7:8).

A Door To Open

Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Rev. 3:20). What a sweet thought it is that the Lord of Glory is seeking to enter our lives. He is not just awaiting our action, but is Himself looking for a home in the hearts of men. He commissioned the proclamation of the gospel and through it He dwells in our hearts by faith (Matt. 28:19, 20; Eph. 3:17; Rom. 10:17). Let us open the door to the Master.

A Door To Enter

Jesus is the door of the sheep (Jn. 10:7, 9). It is through Him and by Him that one may enter the flock of God. Being a part of that flock entitles us to blessings that others in this world do not enjoy. For instance, we can call on God as our Father (Gal. 4:6). The Son of God is the only way to go to the Father; to become His child (Jn. 14:6). There are not many doors—Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius, Joseph Smith—only One, Christ. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Will you knock, open, and enter?

“The lazy man will not plow because of winter;
He will beg during harvest and have nothing.”
Proverbs 20:4

What do you think of a lazy man? Me too.

Laziness really troubles me deep down. It is hard for me to have any manner of respect for the person who simply will not work: man, woman, child.

The Proverb writer points out the lazy man will have a problem. He will not get out and “plow because of winter;” the conditions are not just right. When it comes time to reap the benefits of hard labor, he will get none. He may even go to his neighbors seeking help, but they will extend none. He is starving and no compassion is extended.

Is this right?

Yes. The Bible teaches that if a man “will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thes. 3:10). What does this mean? He should be allowed to starve to death. Shocking? It shouldn’t be.

This does not apply to the person who cannot work (age, infirmity, illness, etc.). It does not apply to one who has repented of his laziness and is now willing to work. Rather, the point is the person who can work, but will not, does not have the right to expect others to care for him. The pain and suffering he experiences due to lack of food, clothing, shelter, ought to prod him to change his ways. It does not do a sinner, in this case the lazy man, any good to coddle him in his sin. Tough love is in order.

Is there another application to this Proverb?

What about the one who is spiritually lazy? The person who has little interest or motivation spiritually is not to be coddled.

For example, the man who will not read his Bible, pray to God, or attend services, either all together or some combination thereof, does not deserve our pity. He knows better, he just won’t do it. Do we feel sorry for him and his problems with his wife (his problems not hers)? Do we tell him we understand and wish he was not having so many difficulties in life? Or, do we rebuke him for his laziness and tell him to stop sinning by being luke warm (cf. Rev. 3:16, 17)?

For the indifferent man or woman, there is coming a time when they will “beg for bread.” If they truly turn from their sinfulness and apply themselves to growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, then we need to help them (Gal. 6:1, 2). We would even give the benefit of the doubt and strive to help them. However, if there is no repentance, there can be no forgiveness. If they intend on remaining in their laziness, then it is a waste of time to deal with them.

“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces” (Matt. 7:6).

For the spiritually lethargic, the time to sow and harvest will come to an end. When the Lord returns their true condition will be known by one and all. They will stand before the Judge of the universe and “beg for bread,” but receive none. Remember what Jesus told us about the “wicked and lazy servant”? “And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 25:30). This man was given an opportunity to serve the Lord but was too lazy to take advantage of it. He said, “Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed” (Matt. 25:24). Yet, he was “afraid” (Matt. 25:25). Again, His Master said he was “wicked and lazy,” and during the reckoning showed no mercy to this man.

Let us not waste our opportunities. Get to the work, even though it is “winter.” If we do not, there will be no harvest for us, no rejoicing in the fruit of our labor, no “bread of life.”