Scripture
6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.
Reflection
It’s almost impossible to be on social media and not hear the word “digital influencer”. The power of influence is not foreign to human beings from any other time in history. Who we listen to and follow can influence us in good or bad ways.
Paul commands brothers and sisters to stay away from other believers who were idle and disruptive. Those people had been neglecting their responsibilities and work because of the belief in a deceitful teaching that Christ’s return was about to take place, so they were just waiting for that to happen. He goes on to encourage them to follow the example he and his disciples set while they were physically with them, summarized by a rule they set not only by words, but by action (v.10): “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”
What we do with the time given to us matters to God. This is not to say that work becomes an idol and/or the source of our identity, but there is tangible value in the work of our hands. Our waiting is not to be idle. The one who waits for the coming of the Lord should be found doing the work the Lord commanded.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
“What or who do they prompt me to pray for?” This could be a personal prayer for you, a prayer for loved ones, or an intercession for our world
