"6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10
Idle [i-dle]: (adjective) 1. not working or active; doing nothing 2. not spent or filled with activity 3. habitually doing nothing or avoiding work.
If I were honest, I would have to say I do indeed struggle with idleness. Now, I don't sit around and twiddle my thumbs all day. I am not asleep 90% of the time (of course in college that was a different thing), but I do get caught up in idle activities that can easily eat away my day. By the end of today's reading I may have to curb my idleosity (my new word).
Our passage today begins with a warning from Paul to not associate with the brother who is "walking disorderly and not according to traditions which he has received from us." In our day in age we cringe when we hear this kind of thing. We say, "You mean we are suppose to not fellowship with someone? That seems harsh." Of course, it is pretty harsh...but there is more at stake here that someone's feelings being hurt. When you are concerned with someone's soul and with the walk with Christ - sometimes discipline is in order.
So what are these traditions that Paul is referring to? Well the first is, "we were not disorderly among you." This demonstrates that their lives are in order and not causing problems. I don't think this is a command that says if you sock drawer is out of whack then you need to be excommunicated (that's a bit over-the-top). As we keep reading we get a better picture of this life that Paul is warning against.
Secondly Paul says, "nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us." Paul is warning against idleness in these verses. Idleness is a very problematic thing if not kept in check...I know this all too well. In fact, Paul says that they worked hard and toiled day and night not because they did not have the authority to have someone else do it, but because they wanted to set an example to those who were watching.
Paul and the other apostles and teachers had authority as leaders to delegate responsibility and work to those in the church, but instead they worked along side everyone else so that they would not put any unnecessary burdens on the local church (ie: food, shelter, money) and that they would provide an example. This is one of the reasons I often question pastors with extremely high paychecks. This seems to be contrary to the admonition in this passage. Why put a burden on the local church if that is not necessary? This is not to say we should not care for our pastors (I think this is important), but at what point does it do harm or cause the world to question a leaders motives? Just some questions to think about.
This passage today ends with a very well known verse. "If anyone will not work, neither will he eat." This is a very common saying and today is just as full of truth as when it was penned. Millions of people all over our country and the world live lives of idleness full of tv, video games and slothfulness and yet they complain about not being fed or cared for. Where does the responsibility lie?
Well, scripture places it square on their shoulders. If you don't work...you're not going to eat.
I know there are those that find themselves in hard time even when working hard and this is where the CHURCH (not the state) should step in and provide food, money and guidance on how to get back on track. If someone falls into this category and yet does not apply the necessary work in order to change the situation then the church is given the right to deny more help. Once again, sometimes discipline is hard but necessary.]
Ok, so after reading these verses I may have to pull back on my Wii addiction and spend more time reading my Bible and praying. Remember, playing games and watching tv is not bad in and of itself but when it takes precedence over the Lord it becomes and idol and being idle for an idol is not a good thing.
1 comments:
haha, great pic lol, before i read the blog i was wondering what polar bears could have to do with Biblical stuff but it made sense once i read it and looked at the pic again
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