30 March - A Model for You to Imitate
“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.”
2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
Good role models! Where do we find them? Whether we like it or not, we all tend to model our lives on someone. It can be our parents or someone we look up to as we go through the different phases of our life’s journey. Today, many people look up to popular people in society like artistes and sports personalities and model their lives after them. These role models influence us as we look at and copy their lifestyle and pattern of living.
Paul exhorts the believers in Thessalonica to look at him and his fellow ministers as role models when he says, “imitate us” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). This is a call for us to look at the servants of God in Scripture and through them to Christ as our primary role model and focus. Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1 says, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” So as Paul invites the believers to copy him, he is ultimately pointing them to imitate Christ.
One particular area which Paul addresses here is the issue of idle living (vv.6,11). Due to misconceptions about the true meaning of the Christian life there were believers who were living idle lives. They were practicing “idle-tery” which means they were idling around and not living purposeful lives. Similarly, some of us also may choose to become idle after reaching retirement age. These idlers were lazy, so much so that they refused to work and earn a living for them and their families. They were strongly rebuked and warned. We may come across some who choose to be idle for various reasons but the danger is when it becomes a continuous pattern and on-going lifestyle.
Paul exhorts by quoting the example of him and his fellow workers who worked and earned their living. He says, ‘with toil and labour we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you’ (v.8). This is the example that he exhorts the believers to observe and follow. The Thessalonians were given an “example to imitate” that they were to work and earn their living.
Today, as we face the temptation to remain idle and do nothing, we are rebuked to arise from our lazy slumber. We are called to imitate the Biblical role models like the Apostle Paul in living fruitful lives ultimately for the glory of God. May God give us his grace to break free from “idle-tery”.
PONDER
Why do some people choose the option of being idle and lazy?
PROMISE
If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
PRAYER
Father, help us to break free from idle living, to do good, and to live our lives fully for Your glory and praise. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Article by the Reverend Jesvinder Singh, Vicar of St. James’ Church, Kuala Lumpur and Priest-in-Charge of St. Matthew’s Church, Selayang.