Lazy days 2: Idle talk

We can all probably think of people we'd label as "layabouts" and "idlers" — maybe people who seem to sponge off their parents or spend half their lives on Facebook, rather than getting out there and “earning a living”. But this can easily become a plank and speck situation where we don’t even realise we’re sponging off others, either materially or spiritually.

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. (2 Thessalonians 3 v 11-13)

How are Christians idle? Maybe we can get so wrapped up in concentrating on the “important jobs” or leadership roles in church that we just expect others to quietly get their hands dirty and do the jobs that keeps things going. Or maybe we like our comfort zone absorbing the teaching but we're lazy when it comes to applying it to the way we live. Or we let pride or fear stop us from fully and openly contributing in small groups.

Maybe we sponge off others materially: never offering to buy the coffees; not contributing much beyond the low rent our family/church/friends offer us; accepting hospitality but never inviting others over for dinner; going to events (and criticising the way they’re run) but not organising any ourselves.

How are we idle when it comes to “doing what is right” (v13)? Do we get so tired of our duties that we don’t really put any effort into them? How can we turn our idleness into enthusiastically serving our brothers and sisters in Christ? How can we turn from being busybodies into servants who are busy for — and because of — the gospel?

Paul says don’t be idle. Don’t be busybodies. Earn the bread you eat. Never tire of doing what is right.