Not busy but busybodies!
Scripture reading for September 23: 2 Thessalonians 3
“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. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 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. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.” 2 Thessalonians 3:6-11
How we use our time to be productive in providing for the needs we and our family have is important to godly kingdom harmony. We were created by God to serve God and others. When we are lazy or idle, we fill our time with self-seeking pursuits and set a bad example for others. God’s Word states that the worker is worthy of his hire and warns employers against withholding wages of those who work. God’s instructions in wisdom in Proverbs commends the diligent worker and warns the lazy of poverty and want. (Proverbs 24:30-34) When you continually sponge off of others or even family members when you could work, you set a bad example and cause strife and ill will. If you use your time selfishly and then end up in gossip and backbiting, others are affected and God is dishonored.
So in the Christ-centered world view, your every-day work and conduct of your own affairs is a testimony of God’s order, provision, and blessing. Your work does not define you, because your identity is as a child of God. But your work and diligence to use what God has blessed you with testifies about Your Father and His Son Who are always at work to care for Their creatures and creation. In fact, Paul’s rule for the idle person who could work but didn’t: “Those that don’t work should not eat.” That’s plain and practical!
Do you tend to think of your life in terms of personal and then religious? Have you heeded God’s warning to stay away from those who are idle and busybodies? Is this a current problem in our culture and time?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the privilege of working and using my talents to bring glory to You. I want to set a good example first for my own children and grandchildren. Help me to also instruct those in Your family concerning these principles of godliness through diligence. All glory to Jesus our Lord. Amen!
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