Walking in Idleness
People are people. Whether the first century A.D. or 5th century B.C., or today; “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23).
In a study of 2 Thessalonians it is interesting to note that Paul spends the first chapter (of the only 3 chapter letter) trying to comfort the Thessalonians as they face persecution. He points them to the great hope they have in the Resurrection of Christ. He assures them that Christ will judge their enemies and bring them ultimate peace and joy.
The encouragement is as timely for us as it was for the Thessalonians as we face increased persecution in our own nation.
In the second chapter He warns them about false teachers who will perform “false signs and wonders.” This will result in widespread deception. This, too, sounds all too familiar in our day. Many churches are accepting unbiblical teaching in order to increase their numbers, some fully aware they are ignoring the Word of God. Paul’s admonition to them is to “stand firm” in what they have been taught.
Then, in chapter three he turns to the people of the church and warns them about idlers and even finishes with the teaching that if someone will not work, they should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). He had ordered them to work with their hands and live quietly so that “they may walk properly with those who are outside and that you may lack nothing” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).
Paul points them to his own example when he was among them. He labored day and night. He makes it clear that he was a worker worthy of his wages as he spread the gospel but he chose to set an example of not being a burden to those to whom he was preaching (2 Thessalonians 3:6-10).
Just as the first two chapters are relevant to us, so is this third one as a warning to those of us who might choose to spend too much of our time on things that will have no lasting value. Podcasts, social media, and internet browsing in general are all-to-common distractions. Even books can be counted as “empty calories” if they are just titillating or diatribes.
It is important to know what is happening in the world. It is also important to read what others say about things. It is fine to spend some time on our devices. But, how many of us are actually being idle as we’re doing these things? I certainly catch myself in this.
“Gaming” may be a good source of fun and a way to interact with others or it may be an addiction keeping us from “living” (not just rooming with) our families.
Biblical Facebook posts are good for sharing the Word of God. Are they are a replacement for “the older woman is to teach the younger woman?” (Titus 2:3-5).
When I look at the choices we have with videos and podcasts, and even blogs and books, how do we determine how much is too much?
Being told to stand firm in the sound doctrine of the scripture is a good place to start. Are we in need of this examination of our lives and the way we spend our time? Would Paul call me or you a Christian who is “walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you have received?” (2 Thessalonians 3:6 ESV)