2 Thessalonians 3:6-17 ~ Discipline of the Disorderly

The English Puritans believed all of life is to honor God. They insisted that for the Christian there is no difference between the secular and the sacred; all of life is a calling, especially one’s vocation. Though our work we are stewards serving God. The Puritans integrated life in the world with spiritual life; they held that we serve God through our daily work.

According to Leland Ryken, “the Puritan view that God calls all workers to their tasks in the world dignifies all legitimate kinds of work. Above all, the Puritan doctrine of vocation sanctifies common work.”

William Tyndale said that if we look externally “there is difference betwixt washing of dishes, and preaching of the word of God; but as touching to please God, none at all.”

Puritan preacher Richard Baxter explained: “God looketh not … principally at the external part of the work, but much more to the heart of him that doth it.”