Busting the Busybodies

The Thessalonians—Paul’s joy and crown (1 Thessalonians 2:19)! Today’s reading takes us through both of these books, and we see Paul’s great affection for these believers. The Thessalonians have suffered much persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. Paul knows this, and he desires to visit them, but he tells them that Satan hindered him (1 Thessalonians 2:18).

What stands out to me in today’s reading is 1 Thessalonians 4:11, where Paul instructs the believers to lead quiet lives, mind their own business, and work with their hands. Yes, the Lord is coming back, but that doesn't mean they should sit around lazily waiting. Paul points out that some believers lived idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in others’ affairs. He encourages the rest of the church to never tire of doing good. 

What a gracious admonition from the Scriptures to live quiet lives, minding our business and working with our hands. Paul considered that to be “doing good.” It is easy for moments of idleness to release our hands and hearts from the work of a quiet life to shifting our focus on meddling, from which comes nothing good for us, others, or the gospel. What is Paul’s instruction to those living a quiet life? Don’t let their idleness wear off on you! Stay away from the busybodies, that they may be ashamed—yet don’t count them as enemies—but warn them as brothers or sisters (2 Thessalonians 3:14–15).