Today’s readings: 2 Thessalonians 1-3, Psalm 132
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
Friends of ours gave us some advice when we retired. “It’s Go! Go! Go! Then it’s Go. Go. Then it’s Go. Then it’s Go Slow. Then it’s Can’t go.”
They were talking about travel and adventure. The lesson: Go while you can!
We’re taking that advice seriously – perhaps a little too seriously! We may need to throttle back a bit. But not just yet! We’re in the middle of a tour of Italy with some great friends. My feet are aching as I write this after a full day in Venice. But it has been a rewarding day of new sights, good conversations, experiences of generosity, and learning about the history of the Christian faith here.
Part of the reason we may need to throttle back is that I’m happily working part time for our Lutheran Church’s Texas District. I help congregations with the Call Process, Strategic Mission Planning, and other assignments from our District President. I also occasionally fill in for vacationing pastors. And I love what I do!
Not everyone feels that way about work. Some can’t wait to retire to the recliner, golf course, travel adventures, or grandkid care. Nothing wrong with any of those things! But Paul’s words to the Thessalonians raise an important question about how we use the time and opportunities God gives us.
Paul warns against idleness – particularly the unwillingness to work while depending on others for support. Whether that was born of complacency or an expectation that Jesus would return at any moment, it wasn’t a God-honoring way to live.
They say, Idle hands are the devil’s workshop. Perhaps so. But more important is our calling to love God and love our neighbor. Retirement from employment doesn’t mean retirement from that calling. There is always something we can do to show God’s love.
There may come a day when we can’t go. But as long as I’m able to serve, I want to do so. And I hope that even when I can no longer go, I’ll still find ways to encourage others, pray for them, and share the love of Jesus.
After all, our ability to go may diminish, but his love for us never will.
Follow the Word is a daily Bible reading and devotional ministry of St. John Lutheran Church, Cypress, Texas.
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