A Clear Command

Scripture – 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10: 6In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 10For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”

Reflection: One of the problems with some of the Thessalonian Christians was related to the return of Christ. They expected that to happen very soon. In light of that, some of the church members simply stopped working. They quit their jobs. They relied on others in the church to provide food for them. Since Christ was coming soon, they assumed there was nothing more to do but wait.

Paul makes it quite clear that’s not the teaching or the example he gave the. So the others are commanded to simply stay away from those who are idle. Let them fend for themselves.

Hmm……..people who are not contributing to the life and mission of the church are to be ignored. How might that apply to us today?