AVOIDING DISORDERLY CONDUCT
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
Certain children of mine, that shall remain nameless, are notorious for leaving messes around the house. After building a fort in the living room, having a snack or playing a board game, they think that someone else is going to clean up after them… so they just go on to the next thing they want to do. The problem is, if we aren’t paying attention, they will create so many messes that in a short amount of time a large percentage of our home can become a wreck rather quickly. So we are teaching them the importance of cleaning up after themselves and little by little they are getting better. I can’t tell you how happy it made me when we got to the point with some of our kids, where messes bothered them and they began to clean up on their own without being asked. That’s a sign of maturity, discipline and good character. They are learning that in our house… everyone contributes and everyone has responsibilities.
Sometimes we adults can forget this principle because of our status, experience or position. If we aren’t careful we can expect others to labor and serve but we disregard the command in this passage for everyone to do their part. Evidently some in Thessalonica were getting the idea that they didn’t have to work. The reality was that there were some that had become lazy, prideful and idle. So much so, that Paul calls them “busybodies”. Paul takes this debilitating sin head on with some words of wisdom on how to deal with those that are disorderly. Here are three things that Paul mentions that can help us avoid being disorderly in our conduct.
1. FOLLOW GODLY EXAMPLES - “For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.”
Paul didn’t come into these cities and just let everyone serve him because of his name and reputation. Not at all. He followed the example of Christ, who washed the disciples feet and laid down His life for others. If we are going to have strong homes, churches and communities, we are going to have to follow the example of godly men that serve.
2. LABOR TOGETHER - “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.”
I’ve already talked about our home, but our Pastor makes sure that we as a staff do not sit around and let others do all the work. Whenever there is an event or activity and there is work to do, our Pastor is going to be the first one to grab a vacuum, a broom or the cleaning cart. I love and appreciate the example. If it doesn’t bother you when others are working and you are standing around… it should. I encourage you, to think differently and get busy doing your part!
3. AVOID DISORDERLY FRIENDSHIPS - “But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”
Are you surrounding yourselves with friendships that are edifying? Are you surrounding yourself with friends that aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty? If not, find some friends with character that will help you develop the discipline and character that is lacking in your life.
Are you noticing chaos and disorder building up in your life? The reason may very well be because of the influence of those around you. It doesn’t have to be that way. Find ways to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and work hard. God will bless your effort and people will learn from your example.
