Bible Thoughts

December 22, 2002

The word "exhort" has the meaning of encouragement to do what is right and scriptural. Paul desired these brethren to increase their faith by abounding more in the work of the Lord. Jehovah desires that all of those who would serve him be diligent in their efforts. From time to time, all of us do need to be exhorted and encouraged to follow the paths of righteousness. Even the strongest disciple has moments of weakness and doubts. It happened even among the apostles and early Christians. The human in all of us can cause fears and doubts, at times. A word from the faithful will often inspire each of us to be stronger in the faith. While Paul had experienced many privations and hurts in his life, he still used his spiritual strength to encourage the Thessalonians to "abound more and more." The apostle would identify how they could increase their spiritual strength even in the midst of "distress and affliction."

The exhortation to "study to be quiet" is an interesting thought for all Christians. Paul is pointing out the type of life for those who are disciples of Christ. There are times to speak and there are times to be "quiet." The disciple studies to know when to speak and when to be quiet. This writer believes that the apostle was focusing on the type of life one lives as a follower of Christ. Paul told Timothy to "...lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity"(I Timothy 2:1-2). It does take effort and careful study to cultivate the nature of a Christian. Meditation on one's life and how to improve one's spiritual strength is characteristic of those who seek to please the Lord.

Another exhortation was "to do your own business." Learning to tend to one's own affairs is sometimes difficult. Most of us have enough business of our own that we do not need to be interfering with other's activities. Many problems among God's people have arisen because someone did not mind his "own business." Does this mean that one who follows Christ is not to inquire of the needs of others? Surely not, for the dedicated disciple is always available to help those who are in need. There is a difference in being meddlesome and being helpful. The Christian wants to help without creating more problems in another's life. Many problems have arisen among churches by those who did not mind their own business. Most of us have enough problems of our own without creating any for others.

Paul pointed out that they were "to work with your hands, even as we charged you." Contrary to what some have concluded, work is not a curse. When the Lord placed Adam and Eve in the garden they were to "dress it and keep it"(Genesis 2:15). Honest work and labor is characteristic of Christians. Those who fail in this area deny themselves of a great blessing. While it is not the aim of this article to focus on the benefits of work, it must be stated that physical(and/or mental) efforts make one a better person as well as a blessing to others. The fruits of honest labor can be shared with the Lord, one's family, those who are in need, and yes--even one's self. Even those who are young in the household need to be taught the benefit of working with one's hands. Chores for children can help one grow into an energetic adult with an understanding of the benefit of labor.

The disciples to whom Paul was writing were encouraged to "walk becomingly toward them that are without." One of the most effective ways to influence those who are Christians is to live the life that God has outlined in the New Testament of Jesus Christ. The example of a Christian will influence the family, the neighbors, close friends, people with whom one works, those who see one's conduct and behavior each day, as well as strengthening those Christians who are weak. A proper life can be one of the most effective means of leading others to the Lord. However, when we do not "walk becomingly," we do harm to the cause of the Lord and destroy the influence that one can have upon others. A dedicated servant of the Lord is a powerful tool in the Kingdom of God. When we follow the teachings of this passage, Paul assures us that we will "have need of nothing." Jesus said it during his life upon the earth. "But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you"(Matthew 6:33). God takes care of the faithful. It may not be done in a manner that a person desires, but the faithful recognize that they have the comfort and assurance of the future when we place ourselves in God's hands. Just remember: the passage we have studied tells us how we can achieve our needs if we walk in the light of God's word.

Many years ago, while traveling a robber-infested road, a man fell victim to unmerciful thieves. Not only did they take the victim's goods, but beat him severely. He was left to die. A religious teacher approached the wounded man. Instead of giving aid to the man, this priest passed by on the other side. He did not want to get involved! Some time passed. A man who worked about the temple, a member of the tribe of Levi, saw the poor man, but he also took the other side of the Jericho road. Later, a despised Samaritan happened along. Seeing the unfortunate victim, he gave him assistance by way of medicine and shelter. This man proved neighbor to the man(read Luke 10:15-37).

If it became necessary for you to classify yourself, where would it be? Are you religious appearing, but neglectful of certain primary duties as a merciful person? Do you have contact with religion each week with little effect on your own life? Not all the "priests and Levites" are dead! Would you become involved if your neighbor was to need your assistance? Where would you be walking on the Jericho road? On the other side? If you knew of someone who needed assistance by way of food, shelter or raiment, where would your feelings be?

Every faithful disciple will try to imitate the example of the Samaritan(often called "good"). When an opportunity to do good is presented, he will take advantage of it. He will want to become involved: with his life, his time, his funds, and perhaps most important: his feelings. The priest and Levite had some feelings about the man, but they were of the wrong type. Their feelings took them to the other side. The compassionate stranger was so moved by the man's plight, he did something about it! It is not enough to sympathize with words toward a mistreated person. One must be willing to assist to the limit of his ability.