2 Thessalonians 3 NIV
When was the last time you told anyone about the blessings that God has given you? I find that very few people talk about Jesus (not even at church). When I am out and about, I sometimes hear about people's church affiliation and what people's churches have or have not done for them. But, I rarely hear anyone talk about what God has done for them. I try not to think about this disconnect between believers and their witness to what they believe too often. Professing to be a Christian; yet, not professing Christ gives me heartache.
But; apparently, idle and disruptive believers are not exclusive to our day and time. St. Paul warned the Thessalonians to stay away from those who are not busy; but, are busybodies. There are very good reasons for this warning. First of all, we must be careful not to endorse these unfruitful lifestyles by our silence and cooperation in their unfaithfulness. Secondly, we put ourselves in danger of becoming idle ourselves.
St. Paul reminds us that we are not to regard them as enemies. We are to warn them because they are our brothers or sisters in Christ and we do not want them falling of the path. We ought to be good examples of children following in the way our Father would have us go so that others might be encouraged to get back on track, as well.
As always, I remind you that good works will not save you. But, good works naturally follow faith because the Spirit of Christ abides in you. If you are one who is idle, get back on track and live as an example of one who follows Christ. May the Lord direct our hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance so that we might live life in a manner that God is glorified in all that we say and think and do.
God's Peace - Pr. J
When was the last time you told anyone about the blessings that God has given you? I find that very few people talk about Jesus (not even at church). When I am out and about, I sometimes hear about people's church affiliation and what people's churches have or have not done for them. But, I rarely hear anyone talk about what God has done for them. I try not to think about this disconnect between believers and their witness to what they believe too often. Professing to be a Christian; yet, not professing Christ gives me heartache.
But; apparently, idle and disruptive believers are not exclusive to our day and time. St. Paul warned the Thessalonians to stay away from those who are not busy; but, are busybodies. There are very good reasons for this warning. First of all, we must be careful not to endorse these unfruitful lifestyles by our silence and cooperation in their unfaithfulness. Secondly, we put ourselves in danger of becoming idle ourselves.
St. Paul reminds us that we are not to regard them as enemies. We are to warn them because they are our brothers or sisters in Christ and we do not want them falling of the path. We ought to be good examples of children following in the way our Father would have us go so that others might be encouraged to get back on track, as well.
As always, I remind you that good works will not save you. But, good works naturally follow faith because the Spirit of Christ abides in you. If you are one who is idle, get back on track and live as an example of one who follows Christ. May the Lord direct our hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance so that we might live life in a manner that God is glorified in all that we say and think and do.
God's Peace - Pr. J
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