2 Thessalonians 3 - Never Idle

        We repeatedly hear in the New Testament that servant leaders should be the type of leaders who prefer to stay out of the limelight and let his or her actions show rather than their words.  Servant leaders are not idle or lazy.  On the contrary, they may very well be the hardest workers on the team.

        We are told in this passage to take note of those believers who don’t follow the Apostle’s command to work hard and earn their keep.  We are not to see those Christians as our enemies, but we are to have nothing to do with them.  Tough love.

        God’s business is people.  For some reason He loves us.  God really loves us.  All people.  All nations.  The Bible says that all the world will look to God for salvation.  There is salvation only in Jesus Christ, our God and Savior (Isaiah 45:21).

        I believe that.  It pleases God to have a Father and child relationship with us. Think of how wonderful it is when a baby’s face lights up with joy and the biggest smile when we say “goo.”  Having an innocent baby love and rely on us is a wonderful God-thing.

        And we who believe God’s message of reconciliation and forgiveness of sins are His dear children, His little babes.  God also shows this unconditional love through His creation.  If you’ve ever had a dog that looks at you like you are the best you know what I mean.  God designs these things to show us His character.  God is love (1 John 4:8).

        At the end of the day, yes on judgment day, we must be able to take responsibility.  We’ll have no choice but to be responsible for God’s judgment is perfect and final.  Jesus' commands to us as shown in these New Testament letters are much more than self-help.  They show us our responsibility to make disciples and help others accept the message of Heaven.  It is a message that we should pray spreads rapidly.  And that such news of God’s love be honored.

        Let’s do something today to help someone get to God’s banquet table.  Oh, what a feast it will be.

        Take care to choose good company.  Stay away from worldly Christians who invest their time and focus and attention and heart’s desire in trophies, recreation, and various empty pursuits.  

        There is an example we follow.  To live a quiet life and to work like the Apostles.  True men of God are not filled with worldly pleasure and pursuits.  We've had enough of that.  Their eyes are fixed on things above and they are never, ever grifters (scheisters who get rich off the church).

        Take care to earn your keep.  Never be the guy that does not contribute, the freeloader.  God designed His church so that each member contributes.  So-called leaders who structure their organizations otherwise stifle the Holy Spirit.

        Paul, Silas, and Timothy never accepted food from anyone without paying for it.  This is a biblical principle that we must follow.  Don’t confuse welfare with godliness.  God’s justice is perfect.

        Work hard day and night.  That is the Christian standard.  It is a standard of not being a burden to anyone.  We give much more than we take.  It is shameful to live an idle life, refusing to work, and meddling in other people’s business.

        Here is the command from the Apostles to you and me: settle down and work to earn your own living.  A quiet life is quite different than an idle life.

        Never get tired of doing good.  Lord Jesus, please open our eyes to see the work you have for us to do.  Please help us do a good job helping believers find good, honest work.  Help each of your babes, your dear children, to contribute to the growth of your Kingdom.  Please help us to imitate You and the holy example of the Apostles.  Amen.

In Kananaskis.