Message from Scripture: 4/20/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 2 Thess. 3:11. “For we hear that there are some among you who are idle. They are not busy but busybodies.”

 

When Paul wrote these words to the congregation in Thessalonica, they had decided the Lord’s return was imminent, so they ceased being productive in their labors, and started spending their time engaging in activities by intruding in people’s lives that were none of their business. Paul uses a play on the words in the Greek, that could basically be translated, “Oh, they’re busy, but busy being busybodies!” The implication is, they were busy everywhere intruding in the lives of others, but not being busy with what they should be doing.

 

While helping one obey the gospel, or better live the Christian life, is a noble thing, that’s not what Paul is talking about here. It can be easier to find fault in others than consider it in oneself, to tell others what to do than to than to try and be a better person oneself. Paul reminds us of this when he told the Galatians, “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted” (Gal. 6:1). The Lord speaks of such in the sermon on the mount as well. “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you (Matt. 7:1-2).

 

It's easy to see what we believe to be flaws in other people’s lives, but ignore the issues we may have in our own lives. We all are works in progress, and we all need genuine prayers, help, and support from each other. Spending our time, however, considering everybody but ourselves, is hypocrisy. We should examine ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5), and consider each other more important than ourselves (Phil. 2:3-4). We will be better for the illumination it shines on our hearts. God bless.

 

Robert