Daily Bread 2011 - 2 Thessalonians 3
Warning Against Idleness
6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. 14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
What Does This Mean?
Apparently this letter was not written too much after 1 Thessalonians, as Paul again brings up the topic of “idleness”. Again as I mentioned before, there were some who, supposing Jesus would return, used it as an excuse not to work. Or, they were just plain lazy and used spiritual language to justify it! Although Paul is an encourager through and through, he also knows how to challenge the church when needed. He points out that he and his associates were not afraid to work and paid for all the food given to them. So he is modeling what he is teaching.
Paul feels so strongly that he even advocates not associating with those who will not adhere to this teaching. But the purpose is for correction and curbing laziness. At the end, he adds not to regard this person as an enemy, but a brother (or sister) who needs warning as to the type of habits they are developing. This is commonly called “speaking the truth in love!” which Paul teaches about in Ephesians 4, as well.
What Does This Mean For Us?
Sometimes in the Church we are afraid to call out bad behavior, supposing that to be truly spiritual, we have to accept all type of behavior, especially among those in the church. One can expect this behavior from someone outside the Church, but within the Church there is room for admonishing and correcting unhealthy habits and behavior. This is not to be punitive or harsh, but to help the person grow in character and being a responsible person which will ultimately help the cause of Christ and the witness of the Church to outsiders.
We might draw the conclusion that it is always wrong to side step responsibility in the name of Christ. Also, we should be aware of being co-dependent with people in the name of Christ. Jesus certainly wasn’t co-dependent, and neither was Paul. This is a tendency I have, and I have to be careful to sort out am I really serving my brother or sister in Christ by enabling their bad behavior, or is better to speak the truth in love so they can grow to maturity and live a life worthy of our their calling.
Jesus as we grow in the grace you have been given us, help us to be an example to our kids and those outside the community of faith of those who work hard and avoid idleness and godless chatter. In Your name and in Your power, Amen.
6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. 14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
What Does This Mean?
Apparently this letter was not written too much after 1 Thessalonians, as Paul again brings up the topic of “idleness”. Again as I mentioned before, there were some who, supposing Jesus would return, used it as an excuse not to work. Or, they were just plain lazy and used spiritual language to justify it! Although Paul is an encourager through and through, he also knows how to challenge the church when needed. He points out that he and his associates were not afraid to work and paid for all the food given to them. So he is modeling what he is teaching.
Paul feels so strongly that he even advocates not associating with those who will not adhere to this teaching. But the purpose is for correction and curbing laziness. At the end, he adds not to regard this person as an enemy, but a brother (or sister) who needs warning as to the type of habits they are developing. This is commonly called “speaking the truth in love!” which Paul teaches about in Ephesians 4, as well.
What Does This Mean For Us?
Sometimes in the Church we are afraid to call out bad behavior, supposing that to be truly spiritual, we have to accept all type of behavior, especially among those in the church. One can expect this behavior from someone outside the Church, but within the Church there is room for admonishing and correcting unhealthy habits and behavior. This is not to be punitive or harsh, but to help the person grow in character and being a responsible person which will ultimately help the cause of Christ and the witness of the Church to outsiders.
We might draw the conclusion that it is always wrong to side step responsibility in the name of Christ. Also, we should be aware of being co-dependent with people in the name of Christ. Jesus certainly wasn’t co-dependent, and neither was Paul. This is a tendency I have, and I have to be careful to sort out am I really serving my brother or sister in Christ by enabling their bad behavior, or is better to speak the truth in love so they can grow to maturity and live a life worthy of our their calling.
Jesus as we grow in the grace you have been given us, help us to be an example to our kids and those outside the community of faith of those who work hard and avoid idleness and godless chatter. In Your name and in Your power, Amen.
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