“Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. 10. For that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more. 11. And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you."
First Thessalonians is filled with good advice. Our text verses are an example of what I mean. In verse 9, gave the first bit of advice as to how they should live: He reminded them to love one another as they had been taught by God. (Isn’t it amazing how often we have this reminder in the Bible?) To love one another is foundational to our faith. Indeed, Jesus commanded us to love one another in John 13:34-35: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35. By this all people shall know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” In verse he reminded to “walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” In verse 11 of the text printed above, he showed them what it would mean for them to live in a community and be good witnesses. Following is the advice that Paul gave the Thessalonians, and us,as to how we can live effectively in community with other people and also be good witnesses for Jesus. Paul’s first advice is that they live “live quietly.” When I read this I wondered what Paul meant. Here is my assessment: to “live quietly” means to not make trouble with other people. This means that we are not to be argumentative with our neighbors. We never win anyone to Jesus by arguing with them. Our first line of offense in our witness is to quietly live for Jesus and be good neighbors. If we do not “walk the walk” we should not “talk the talk.” Paul’s second advice is to “mind your own affairs.” The way we would put this is: “mind your own business.” This means that we are not to be busybodies and spread gossip about other people’s lives. This does not mean that we should not speak with our neighbors. It means that we are to live peaceably with them and to not pry into their business. Being a community busybody is not a good witness for Jesus! Paul’s third advice is to: “Work with your hands, as we instructed you.” Part of our witness is to be industrious and not to be lazy. The aim is that we should love other people, treat them well and to live independently. Some of the Thessalonians had quit working because they were looking for Jesus at any time. This led Paul to give them this advice in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12: “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11.For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work but busybodies. 12. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.” I think that you will agree that these verses contain very good advice - advice worth following. Bro. Joe
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AuthorDr. Joe Beauchamp is the author of this blog and website. Categories
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