For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
But you, brothers, don’t be weary in doing well.           2 Thessalonians 3:11-13 (WEB)
I once read a blog from a well-known Christian person who quoted part of this as a basis for not giving money to people who stand on corners with signs asking for money. The tone of the piece was very condemning and self-righteous. Again, I am taught a lesson about taking Scripture out of context.
When I read a verse of Scripture, if I am to truly begin to absorb the truth of what God is saying to me, I must read more than just A verse. It is more than the paragraph. It is more than the chapter. It is even more than the book that the verse is contained. History, culture, the author, and even my current situation all play a part in what God is saying to me in a given verse.
These verses are a disciplinary word to me about the times that I have been a Christian busybody! Discussing a person’s prayer need and crossing the line into gossip when I asked for more information. I do not need details to pray! Paul says, “Jody, pay attention to what God is telling you to do – which does not include criticizing the spiritual lives of others!†Ouch.
“doing well†is doing what God wants me to do. It is walking obediently in what He wants me to do and think. It is walking my life in the footsteps of Jesus. Following His example. Grow weary in doing that? Absolutely.
Weariness may comes from 24/7 life that is in service, prayer, and personal study. It can easily become un-balanced. How many burned out ministers and missionaries do you know? Or people who were very involved in the work of the fellowship and then – resigned from every committee and even stopped coming to church. Burned out. Remember how many times we read in the gospels that Jesus went to the mountains or went apart from His disciples? Jesus knew He needed to regenerate and He did that. This weekend, I am going to regenerate. I am going to spend time with friends and recharge my spiritual batteries. With balance, I will continue “doing wellâ€!
Kingdom work is the best work! It takes me into places I never dreamed of going! It brings me into network with people I do not believe I would have every met or had an opportunity to join in work. The work brings wonderful, usually unexpected moments when Jesus is present and blessings abound!
Let us in quietness seek Jesus’ direction in our day. In humility let us obey His commands and serve without applause or fanfare. Let us follow Jesus’ example of a balanced life so that we do not grow weary in doing good.
