TEXT:

‘But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you’– 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11

THOUGHT:

The Book of Chronicles records that the army of Issachar joined forces with David because, ‘They had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.’ ¹ This helped the other tribal armies to get behind David and make him King of Israel after the death of King Saul. When you do not know what to do, you will often find there is someone who does!

In Part 1, we saw Paul urge the Thessalonian Christians to serve the living God, to wait for return of His Son, and to be aware of the wrath to come. In the same epistle, Paul exhorts the believers to do four more key things.

• To love one another – ‘for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another’

Love for the Christian is to be as natural as breathing. It’s the hallmark of true Christianity. ‘By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.’ ² God is love and we are taught by God to love. However it is much easier to say the word than to show it by actions. The world is a very selfish place and that attitude permeates churches. What’s in it for me? (WIIFM) instead of saying, “How can I serve?” Paul commended their faith and labour of love that abounded toward each other. He prayed that they would put on the breastplate of faith and love, and esteem very highly in love those who were the leaders of the church. Love is the inner deposit left by God that influences us from the inside out!

• To lead a quiet life – ‘make it your ambition to live quietly and peaceably’

Some people love controversy and to stir up trouble. ‘Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.’ ³ The world does not understand the Christian’s reluctance to participate in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries and idolatry. ⁴ We are in the world but do not have to be part of this world’s lifestyle. So we do not shut ourselves away in a monastery or convent, but act as salt and light. ‘So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.’ ⁵ Remember, ‘True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.’ ⁶

• To mind your own business

It’s all too easy to be taken up with other people’s business, especially through social media. Be careful not to become overburdened with national and international issues that you cannot do anything about. Paul warned Timothy about those who had become gossips and busybodies, actions which are damaging, disruptive and a poor testimony of Christianity. ⁷ Even leaders can fall into the trap of busying themselves with everyone else’s affairs and neglecting their own needs and responsibilities.

• To work with your own hands

A workshy culture has prevailed in Britain for years, fuelled by a generous welfare state. Paul instructed the Thessalonians to take a strong line against laziness. ‘Now we’re getting reports that a bunch of lazy good-for-nothings are taking advantage of you. This must not be tolerated. We command them to get to work immediately—no excuses, no arguments—and earn their own keep.’ ⁸ Two reasons for such a command. Firstly, they will earn enough to provide for their own needs. Secondly, they will have something to support the church financially. ⁹ Having a meal at a restaurant not only helps to pay the catering costs of that day, but also to keep the restaurant in business. So Christians are to give to help their local church to pay for present costs and to fund its future.

Four things to do that will revolutionise churches and their standing within the community. Try it and see!

1 – 1 Chronicles 12:32            2 – John 13:35                                     3 – Rom 12:18 NLT

4 – 1 Peter 4:3-4                      5 – 1 Timothy 6:8 NLT                       6 – 1 Timothy 6:6 NLT

7 – 1 Timothy 5:12-13            8 – 2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 MSG      9 – Ephesians 4:28