2 Thessalonians 3
By Pastor Libby
Consider the Ant
In reading 2 Thessalonians chapter 3 I was reminded of a bug. Now normally I do not like bugs. Spiders, ants, worms, I am always better off if they stay away from my general vicinity. But in Proverbs 6:6 we are called to get close to the ant, close enough to consider its ways. I particularly like the New Living Translation as it says, “Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise!”
Paul in the final chapter of 2 Thessalonians encourages his readers to make an honest living by working. He suggests that those who are not busy are likely to fall into the category of “busybodies.”
Have you ever seen an ant just sitting and watching all the other ants work? Ants don’t need to be told what to do. As Christians when we see something that really needs to be done, isn’t it our job to do it?
I love it when it is time to clean up in Kid’s Worship or Caravans; inevitably some child, when I ask them to pick up trash will say to me, “but I didn’t make that mess!” On the flip adult side I also love it when someone approaches me with an idea for ministry - for someone else to do. My reply to such a request might sound something like this, “that’s a great idea, when are you going to get started on that?” Please understand I am not making light of your interest or your lack of time, but at some point, if it’s a real need, what will your commitment be to it? Sometimes it is all too easy to sit on the sidelines and watch and snipe claiming that it is not our job! “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” (v.10) When we are willing to get in and get busy, we begin to understand when Paul says, “…never tire of doing what is right.” (v. 13)
Click here to read 2 Thessalonians 3
