“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. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, (though it was doubtlessly offered out of hospitality) but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work, quietly, and to earn their own living.” (2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 ESV)

When was the last time you routinely gave up something you had every right to in order to lighten the burden of someone else and to be an example of genuine sacrificial love?

“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.” (2 Thessalonians 3:6, ESV)
Many people who are able-bodied grasp at any excuse to not work, especially when there is any sort of charity to make laziness nearly painless. Many more don’t even bother to make excuses. They simply subsist on handouts – government or otherwise. We may think this is something unique to our current society. But we would be wrong.

At the very beginning of the church nearly 2000 years ago, new believers were overcome with generosity towards each other when they realized God’s generosity demonstrated in Christ. As a result “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. (Acts 2:44-45 ESV)
Unfortunately, it appears there were some freeloaders even in the early church who took unjust advantage of this charity intended for those truly in need. That’s why the Thessalonians were told point blank to not tolerate anyone who abuses the generosity of others, whether the generosity came through individuals, churches, other charitable institutions, or government agencies. “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. (2 Thessalonians 3:6)

“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.” (Proverbs 31:10-11,15, ESV)
Oh no! Not that Proverbs 31 woman!
I know you ladies feel like you never measure up, but take a breath. And guys, this the a description of a wise man as well. It was describing a wise woman so nobody felt like they had a right to be a sluggard.
This woman was to mirror her husband in that they were both worthwhile to each other, to the family, and to society. Whatever their respective rolls in their family, and whatever the stage in life, diligence is a virtue. One of her habits was to get up and get the day started early. Whether your responsibilities involve an outside job or not, caring for little children or not, what time do you start your day? If you do not get up early, why not? Did you stay up late? Doing what?

No! Stop right here and answer the question. Not a lame excuse and not a one time unusual occurrence. What is your excuse for routinely staying up late?
When we get up and get the day started in a timely manner we are less rushed so we are less stressed. We also get more useful things done in the same 24 hour period with the same amount of sleep than when we start late and stay up late. Argue with me if you want to but that’s the truth the world over.
So, what are you valuing more than being diligent and productive for your family? What do you do most evenings that is more important than being calm and productive in the early mornings?
Was the exchange worth the price?
“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Like vinegar to the taste (sets my teeth on edge) and smoke to the eyes (extremely irritating) so is the sluggard (man or woman, parent or child, husband or wife) to those who send him.(and to those who are counting on him) (Proverbs 10:4,26, ESV)

Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread. (Proverbs 20:13, ESV)
What time is your alarm set to go off? Why? What would happen if you set it 30 minutes earlier?

No. We already ruled out hitting the snooze.
If you made a new habit of getting up and getting you day started, at a reasonable pace, one half hour earlier would the world end? Then why not give it a try?
When you change a habit it feels weird for a while because you brain is lazy and likes routine. Routine is easy. Routine means you don’t have to think. But if your routine is not helpful it is worth the effort required to make a new routine. Research tells us it takes around three full weeks to make a new daily routine a habit that no longer feels weird. Three weeks. Why not give it a try? Reset you alarm. Get up when it goes off the first time. And thank God he has supplied you with a great reprogrammable brain.
Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread. (Proverbs 20:13, ESV)

What could you accomplish in a day if you got up at the first alarm instead of hitting snooze? How would your day go if you did not start the day off rushed? What if you actually had a few minutes to do a little reading – say, maybe some morning devotions that were not hurried through, but actually contemplated?
What if you even had a few minutes to fill the dishwasher or throw in a load of clothes before leaving in the morning instead of having it all to do when you got home?
I’m simply asking, “What if?”
“I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” (Proverbs 24:30-34 ESV)

As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed. (Proverbs 26:14, ESV)
Do you have a habit of hitting the snooze button? You do know it is a bad habit, right? If you simply chose to get out of bed at the first alarm, with a good attitude, how much calmer would your morning be? Before you make excuses please remember that when we embarked on this journey of Heir Conditioning we promised to do what scripture told us was wise.
IF? If you did get right up at the first alarm you would be less rushed in the morning, and your day would start off on a calmer note. If you are someone who makes you own schedule, you will probably find that starting your day earlier will be one of the most productive habits you can make.
Think about it. Do you think this is in our Bible as bad advice?
“Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.” (Proverbs 20:13, ESV)

Yesterday we looked at the importance of walls in the days when the Bible was written, and throughout most of history. Only a fool would actively tear down such a vital means of protection for his family. Yet we read that “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28, ESV) Conditioning our mind is indispensable if we hope to avoid destruction.
But there is another aspect of this wall illustration. At the same time in history it could be that your enemy would attack you then quickly retreat back to his own fortification. There he would laugh at justice, safe behind his own wall.
At this point the expert would be called for someone like Old Caleb who knows about walls. Caleb divides the young men into three groups. The archers keep the enemy off the wall at a place of Caleb’s choosing. The archers are protecting the diggers. The diggers tunnel under this section of wall. The third group procure wood. First, heavy beams for the diggers. These beams hold up the wall as its foundation is removed. Caleb doesn’t want the wall to fall. Not yet. Only when Caleb determines that the tunnel is deep enough and wide enough does he halt the diggers and direct the woodsmen to pack the rest of the hole as full of firewood as possible.
Then everyone gears up for the attack, and watches as old Caleb gets the honor of lighting the fire that will burn away the only thing supporting a vital portion of the wall.
The supports burn away. The wall crumbles. The marauders are brought to justice. And old Caleb is the hero of the entire campaign.
And that’s not as impressive as you controlling the story you tell yourself on a daily basis! Since your thoughts precede your emotions, when you control you thoughts your emotions will be controlled? “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32, ESV)