2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (NRSV)
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 on biblegateway.com
Verse 6Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us. Verse 7For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, Verse 8and we did not eat anyone's bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. Verse 9This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate. Verse 10For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. Verse 11For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Verse 12Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Verse 13Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.
Devotion
An investigative reporter for a local television station sought to discover who the people standing at intersections with signs asking for donations from drivers really were. He learned that most of them were, indeed, not destitute at all – as their signs seemed to suggest.
A hitchhiker sticks out a thumb asking for a ride with someone. They expect to get to their destination without fee or payment.
The warning is “do not be mere busybodies, not doing any work.” Don’t “mooch” off others and not do your part to put bread on the table.
This speaks to us as stewards of God’s gracious gifts. To be stingy with our donations and gifts and tithes, or with our willingness to be of service through the Christian community, is to take advantage of others which may cause derision.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, keep us mindful that you have called us to be servants, not to be served. Amen.