2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 Those Who Won’t Work Won’t Eat

Paul has one more issue he wants to address before signing off. It has come to his attention that some of the believers are sitting by while others do all the work. This is NOT acceptable.

“If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (verse 10b). Paul goes so far as to tell those who are working to “take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed” (verse 14b). Paul does NOT say to cut this person off as a sinner and throw him out of the body. “Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother” (verse 15).

Encourage this person to “stop talking and start working.” Paul states that he heard that “some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies” (verse 11). Interesting how those who don’t want to contribute have something to say about everyone else who is and the end results.

An example of this was something I was listening to about “millennials” and how they have a very poor voter turnout. But that group was the most vocal after the last election. If you want to have a say in the outcome contribute something to the process. I believe Paul would agree with that statement.

I often worry that I’m being lazy. To some extent I am. I don’t enjoy dusting so I seldom do it. Sometimes my laundry goes unfolded for a few days. I know I should sweep and mop my floor more often. And I spend a fair amount of time playing two electronic games. But my job requires me to be immediately available for my husband’s needs 24/7. I don’t get to go out on the lawn tractor any more. I can’t go volunteer for some committee. If it doesn’t happen in my house or in my car, with him along for the journey, it doesn’t happen in our lives. When he is SOUND asleep I can go out to the pool in the backyard and do some exercise time, but I bring all the alarms with me just in case he wakes up and needs something.

I try and keep my mind busy even if my body isn’t. Doing this blog is one of the ways I do that. I also read A LOT! The worst part for me about not being busy is that I snack when I’m bored. I miss being out on my bicycle or roller blading. I miss hanging out in the back yard with the grandkids. But I believe I’m where God wants me to be and that’s good enough for me. Maybe I will work on doing more housework on a regular basis. It would keep me from snacking for a little while at least.

Father God, thank You for the ability to be here for Steve. You gave us the right information at just the right time in our lives. Thank You for the training I’ve had that prepared me for this job. Forgive me for being lazy and letting things go. Help me in this area. My house is not dirty but it is not spick and span either. Help me with the right balance in this area Lord. House work has NEVER been my favorite job.

Also help me be diligent and creative in exercising. My body needs it and it helps my mood. Remind me of this when I think about skipping it for a while. Summer is ending so I will need something in the house to replace the pool time. Help me find something enjoyable to put in its place.