What does 2 Thessalonians 3:7 mean?

In this verse Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he and his coworkers were not lazy when they were in Thessalonica. He appeals to the Thessalonians to imitate his coworkers and himself in this regard. Perhaps some members of the church at Thessalonica thought they should quit their jobs, sit back, and wait for the Lord's return, but such behavior constituted laziness. Paul's behavior contrasted sharply with that behavior. He stayed busy while he waited for the Lord's return.

In verse 8 Paul describes the exemplary ministry style he and his associates pursued in Thessalonica. In his letter to the Ephesians he encouraged believers to make the best use of their time, because the days were evil (Ephesians 5:16). Any believer who desires a life of loafing ought to rid himself of that desire. Christians ought to choose, instead, to follow Paul's example and also the example of our Lord Jesus, who ministered from dawn to dusk to do His Father's will. It's important to take time for rest (Mark 2:27), and to avoid burnout. However, a Christian's goal ought to be accomplishing the will of God, not getting by as easily as possible.