By: Robert Johnson

Our message from Scripture today is 2 Thessalonians 3:11. “For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies” (NKJV).

When Paul wrote these words to the congregation in Thessalonica, the members had decided the Lord’s return was imminent, and so, they ceased being productive in their labors and started spending their time engaging in activities by intruding in people’s lives that were none of their business. Paul used a play on the words in the Greek that could basically be translated, “Oh, they’re busy, but busy being busybodies!” The implication is that they were busy everywhere intruding in the lives of others but not being busy with what they should be doing.

While helping one to obey the Gospel or to better live the Christian life is a noble thing, that’s not what Paul was talking about here. It can be easier to find fault in others than consider it in oneself and to tell others what to do rather than to try to be a better person oneself. Paul reminded us of this when he told the Galatians, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). The Lord spoke of such in the Sermon on the Mount as well. “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Matthew 7:1–2).

It’s easy to see what we believe to be flaws in other people’s lives but ignore the issues we may have in our own lives. We all are works in progress, and we all need genuine prayers, help and support from each other. Spending our time, however, considering everybody but ourselves is hypocrisy. We should examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) and consider each other more important than ourselves (Philippians 2:3–4). We will be better for the illumination it shines on our hearts. God bless!

Author: Robert Johnson