Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly Conduct
“Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother or sister who leads a disorderly life and not one in accordance with the tradition which you received from us.”
2 Thessalonians 3:6
The title is not what it appears. One might think that it suggests having an organized life. When in fact it is commanding us to live an orderly life, a life that is prioritized for Jesus Christ, in all that we do. Especially work.
Paul had written this letter to the church in Thessalonica. He was writing to the believers in the church and in the city. He was reminding them to remember what he had taught, to make good use of their time, work hard and to help people.
Paul knew that if people sat around and had nothing to do they would invite sin into their lives. He knew the spiritual war in believers that were waiting for Christ’s return and they used it as an excuse to do nothing.
When our lives are unorganized and disorderly we invite sin. When we are not living our lives for the return of Jesus Christ, we are only looking to get into trouble.
The church in Thessalonica used the return of Jesus Christ as an excuse for some of the believers to sit idly by and do nothing. This laziness created an atmosphere of entitlement and self-centeredness in some of them. During this time, Paul writes, that they should be preparing for the return of Jesus by helping others, working hard and not being busybodies.
“For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.”
2 Thessalonians 3:11
It’s true that if you don’t put God in front of you, the devil will find a way in. Every time we are idle we should be turning to God to strengthen our relationship with Him through prayer.
As well, we should do our part, work hard, stay out of gossip and put Jesus Christ in everything we do.
Working hard isn’t just going to work. Being lazy isn’t just sitting around. There are lazy people at work. And there are hard workers at home.
Believers need to be the example of the Christian life. We should know the value of hard work, when to work and when to rest.
We know better. And we definitely know when we are slacking off. Check yourself against what Paul has written and see if you are lining up.
An orderly life is a life that is lived according to the teachings and principles of the Bible and Jesus Christ. It is not defined by what we believe.
“If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person so as not to associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. And yet do not regard that person as an enemy, but admonish that one as a brother or sister.”
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15