Handouts

2 Thessalonians 3:10-13 (The Message)

^10-13Don't you remember the rule we had when we lived with you? "If you don't work, you don't eat." And now we're getting reports that a bunch of lazy good-for-nothings are taking advantage of you. This must not be tolerated. We command them to get to work immediately—no excuses, no arguments—and earn their own keep. Friends, don't slack off in doing your duty.

Many years ago, in Monterey, California, after a hard day of work the fisherman would pull their boats up onto the docks to clean their catch of fish from that day. There were always pelicans hanging around the docks looking for handouts, so the fisherman would feed the fish entrails to these eager birds. Eventually, the fishing industry discovered a new commercial use for fish entrails, so they quit tossing them to the pelicans. Would you know...those fat and lazy pelicans who had lived their whole life on handouts totally forgot how to fish for themselves!! Many of these birds even starved to death, hanging around the docks waiting for another handout!!

When it comes to both physical food, and spiritual food...don't have the stinking attitude in life that people owe you something!! Trust God. Depend on Him and work your butt off!! Only then will you gain a sense of self-respect and achieve your dreams!!