What happens after they believe in Jesus?
Here we see the extraordinary level of care that Carey and his colleagues had for the new converts 200 years ago in India, in a very different situation from today.
- Carey’s original text:
We ought also to endeavour as much as possible to form them into habits of industry and assist them in procuring such employments as may be pursued with the least danger of temptations to evil. Here too we shall have occasion to exercise much tenderness and forbearance, knowing that industrious habits are formed with difficulty by all heathen nations. We ought also to remember that these persons have made no common sacrifices in renouncing their connections, their homes, their former situations and means of support, and that it will be very difficult for them to procure employment with heathen masters. In these circumstances, if we do not sympathise with them in their temporal losses for Christ, we shall be guilty of great cruelty. - Modern Version of the text.
We should also try our best to help them
i) develop good work habits and
ii) assist them in finding jobs that have the least risk of leading them into temptation.
Here, we need to be very gentle and patient, understanding that it’s hard for people from all backgrounds to build these habits.
We must remember that these individuals have made significant sacrifices by leaving their connections, homes, and previous jobs. It’s going to be very challenging for them to find work with non-believers.
Given these circumstances, if we don’t show compassion for their struggles for Christ, we would be acting very cruelly. - Scriptures that show Paul agreed with Carey (Or rather, Carey agreed with Paul!!)
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 (NIV):
“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.’ We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.”
Ephesians 4:28 (NIV):
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV):
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV):
“And to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
