6 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. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
Reflection
- Chapter in a Glance: Paul requested the Thessalonians to pray for him and assured them that he was praying for them. He also encouraged them to deal with problems that needed correction in their church.
- Some in the Thessalonian church had quit working because they thought Jesus would be back any moment and didn’t see any reason to work hard. Others were taking it easy and lived off the charity of some wealthier members in the church. Paul admonished such laziness, and set the rule “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat “. How can our laziness affect the work of Christ? What can we do about the laziness of others?
- Are you idle, a busybody, a worrier, or a workaholic? What is God’s word to you in this passage? Pray that like Paul you will be a good example to others in your attitude toward work.
Prayer & Journaling:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.
If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.
Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible. If your children are younger, you may read vv 11-13 only.)
Does it sometimes seem much easier to sin than to do right? Does it get tiresome trying to follow the rules and stay on the straight path? Today’s verses acknowledge the difficulty of holy living, saying people should “do not grow weary in doing good”. Sing “I have decided to follow Jesus” to give you strength, www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUwpfId1Zr0. Pray that following Christ will energize you.
Proverbs for Today 23:29-32
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaining?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
30 Those who tarry long over wine;
those who go to try mixed wine.
31 Do not look at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup
and goes down smoothly.
32 In the end it bites like a serpent
and stings like an adder.