II Thessalonians 2:13-3:18
Dear RTB’ers,
I have a problem with food – I eat more than I need. Mostly it’s not a problem at mealtimes; the bigger problem is between meals when I am being lazy or when I’m bored, when I’m just sitting around not doing much. But contrast, when I am outside working I seldom think about food. And if I do realize that I’m hungry, I typically choose to finish the task before me rather than quitting just to get something to eat. Idleness is a problem for me.
Today’s reading connected with me on this idleness issue, although Paul has a bigger problem in mind: 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. (v. 3:6) Apparently there were Thessalonians who had chosen a lazy life. But not only were they not working, they were also compounding their idleness by engaging in gossip: For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. (v. 3:11) Paul’s answer to his Thessalonian believers: …take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. (v. 3:14b) [The NASB has an even stronger translation, …that he will be put to shame.] For Paul, this idleness is shameful and that person is to be humiliated, to be shunned by the believing community. That may sound harsh, but I suspect that Paul’s intent is “tough love”, that his hope is for the Holy Spirit to quicken that idle person’s heart toward repentance and a changed life. Bottom line: better not to be too idle – for them or for me!
Blessings!