2 Thessalonians 3:10-13

“For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work.” vs. 11

We don’t know why some of the folks in Thessalonica chose to be idlers and busybodies, but we can make a reasonable guess. Paul had emphasized in his teaching that Christ would be returning soon and it could very well be that some quit working to make ready for his coming. Certainly that would be a tempting option, particularly if they weren’t crazy about the work they were doing. Why keep engaging in drudgery when paradise was just around the corner? There are some among us who ask those questions when they reach the point in life when the rat race loses its appeal. By reasoning that the end is coming soon they give up on being productive and take up channel surfing and the internet. It’s a sad decision! Even if they’re tired of their old work, there are a myriad of opportunities in the volunteer world, and often a person’s most fulfilling years come after retirement. It’s fun to hear our seniors complain about how busy they are. Some say they’re working harder than they ever have, and that they intend to keep doing it until the day they drop. There are few rewards in this world for idleness, and even fewer for being a busybody. For believers sacrificial service combined with unconditional love is a lifetime call.

Thought for the Day: How will I spend my golden years?