Never tire of doing what is good
“And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13)
Laziness or illegal acts is the humanity of harm that has always existed since the past. When asked what blessing is, not a little people might answer, “Sitting still and eating.” According to the Bible, it is not a desirable thing to live eating without working. Nevertheless, people pay more attention to living without working, with insurance money, pensions, or inheritance. Working is a different matter separate from whether there is money in hand or not. Paul the apostle strongly rebuked Thessalonians for the laziness and illegality prevalent in the church.
The laziness and unlawful act of the members of Thessalonian church were related to an idea that the second coming of Christ was imminent. Jesus’ again coming is a universal concern of people living in the end time of the world. After Christ ascended heaven, many people have expected again advent of Christ. But more than 2,000 years have already passed after the ascended, but Christ’s advent hasn’t taken place in actuality until now. Thus some people express negative or skeptical thoughts about Jesus’ second coming. The reason why they think so is generally one of the two. Those are the inaccuracy of when the end of the world is, and the doubt what would Christ really come again. That’s actually an important issue related to all Christians’ belief.
Lame Duck is a situation that occurs usually at the end of the regime. This is an expression about a leak phenomenon that the government may neglect its duties because the current regime’s term will end soon. We know the saying, “Even if the end of the earth comes tomorrow, I will plant one apple tree today.” That’s also the heart that Christians should always have. There is no need to pay attention on timing when Jesus comes whether tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. Only if you do your best for the mission you have now, that’s enough. Such a person would not be lazy usually. Also, they will not be going to break daily appearances of themselves living according to God’s words. Paul had not shown a disorderly life or rude attitude just because he was a leader or an apostle. He didn’t eat other’s bread even a little for free. In other words, he was somehow careful not to cause harm to others. It wasn’t because Paul didn’t have the right to be given a hospitality. Only it was to teach church members to live properly by showing a good example of himself.
From before, Paul had taught anyone not to eat if they don’t want to work. Nevertheless, there were still many people who did not work but only caused problems. Corruption does not only occur in food, but also in the human mind. Laziness appears not only from the hungry but also from the full of stomach. In Proverbs 26:15, it is written, “A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.” I think such a person doesn’t have to live, in fact. Also, those who have a lot of food and money do not have to work hard, so they get used to laziness naturally. Those who are rich in food and lazy also might suffer from physical diseases and mental devastation. Differently to such guys, people who live quietly in Jesus Christ eating food by one’s labors will be able happy. But there are quite people who have been anxious about even that happiness among church members. This is because the spiritual atmosphere of the world is so chaotic and noisy that even those who follow Christ have been contaminated not a little.
Brothers saved by Jesus Christ, never be discouraged while doing good. It is difficult to overcome the rain and wind of reality with just one’s own power, but the Holy Spirit who helps you abides by you or within yourself. As the God the Holy Trinity, the Spirit goes with man. He helps you, encourages you up, and holds on you forever to lead into the heaven. And if you are wary of the unjust and teach them, but encourage them with love, the Holy Spirit will add strength, courage, and fruit for you.
(Written by Koonoh, Pastor of JDO Presbyterian Church in Korea, on Dec 5th 2021)