The Thessalonians—Paul’s joy and crown (1 Thessalonians 2:19)! Today’s reading takes us through both of these books, and we see Paul’s great affection for these believers. The Thessalonians have suffered much persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. Paul knows this, and he desires to visit them, but he tells them that Satan hindered him (1 Thessalonians 2:18).
What stands out to me in the reading today is 1 Thessalonians 4:11—Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. (NLT) This is just a mention in Paul’s first epistle, but in his second epistle, Paul expands on this to deal with a problem within the church. In 2 Thessalonians 3:11–13, Paul writes that some believers are living idle lives, refusing to work, and meddling in other people’s business with all the extra time on their hands. He then commands them to settle down, work, and earn a living. He encourages the rest of the church to never tire of doing good.
What a gracious admonition from the Scriptures to live quiet lives, minding our business and working with our hands. Paul considered that to be “doing good.” It is easy for moments of idleness to release our hands and hearts from the work of a quiet life to shifting our focus on meddling, from which comes nothing good for us, others, or the gospel. What is Paul’s instruction to those living a quiet life? Don’t let their idleness wear off on you! Stay away from the busybodies, that they may be ashamed—yet don’t count them as enemies—but warn them as brothers or sisters (2 Thessalonians 3:14–15).
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from 1 & 2 Thessalonians.