Thoughts on “Do Some Good,” the upcoming sermon for Sunday, November 13.
“For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.” ~ II Thessalonians 3:11-13.
The Apostle Paul was clear when members of the community stopped working, they became a nuisance. Some were interfering busybodies, others were gossips, and yet others were noisy critics of those busy working. Most of these were idle because they believed Jesus would be returning soon.
In short, this command is not ammunition for a political agenda of any kind, Republican or Democrat. Paul was addressing a group of Christians in the church who had stopped working because they thought Jesus was coming back, as in right back. They felt work and the labor given to support oneself were worldly and no longer relevant. Instead, Paul told them to stay alert, expectant that the Lord would indeed come back but not to quit their jobs. In other words, he said, “Stay alert … but stay busy!”
Poet and essayist Wendell Berry says it succinctly, “Find something that needs doing, and do it.” You’ll make yourself useful in the world and you’ll find contentment in the most surprising kinds of ways.
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday! Pastor Keith
Rev. Dr. Keith Herron, Interim Minister