Scripture to Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:6
God gives us many commands throughout His Word. These commands from God are to be obeyed every day and are not negotiable. The command God led Paul to write in 2 Thessalonians 3:6 is one of those commands that often is more difficult to obey. God strictly tells us to make sure we stay away from every believer who is living an undisciplined/unruly life. The command God gives to us is for our protection. God makes this fact clear in 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’” The other reason God gives us this command, to stay away from an undisciplined believer, is so we do not get in the way of God doing what only He can do to lovingly discipline that undisciplined believer, according to Hebrews 12:5-11. God always knows best and even when it is uncomfortable for us, we must trust God’s Truth and not allow our feelings to get us sidetracked. God gave this command through Paul because there were believers in Thessalonica who had become unruly/undisciplined/lazy because they thought that Christ would return any day. Therefore, these undisciplined believers thought there was no reason to work, so they had become a burden to all the other believers. God never wants us to be a burden, but He wants us to fulfill the work He has for us to do so we can bless others and help those who are in legitimate need. Let’s fulfill our purpose each day for His glory.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about people you allow into your life?
2. What other believers can you share this truth with this week?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!