STUDY
- What does it say after "But the Lord is faithful"?
- Who does Paul warn you to stay away from? What does idleness mean?
- Why did Paul choose not to be a burden to anyone?
- What is the opposite of someone who is busy at work?
- What is Paul's advice in verse 13?
APPLICATION
- Do you believe that the Lord is faithful? How has He shown you that lately?
- In verse 9 Paul says he does not burden the Thessalonians so that he is an example to imitate. Do you think you are an example to imitate?
- In verse 11, it mentions "busybodies" in contrast to someone busy at work. Which one are you?
- Do you ever grow tired of doing good? If you are, Paul says, "do not". How can you remind yourself of this?
PRUNING ME
A couple things that speak directly to me in this chapter. The first is about being busy, and the second is not growing weary of doing good. I will start with the busyness. First off, I struggle with being the "busybody". It's easy being a stay at home mom, I think, to get caught up on things that aren't part of my "job description"- like: shopping online, facebook, chatting on the phone, hanging out with friends in the daytime, etc. My job here at home is to raise and teach Oskar and soon to be Mischa, take care of the home- meaning: CLEAN IT, and serve my husband when he gets home. There is nothing wrong with checking stuff on the computer, calling someone or visiting with friends... but if that's your first priority, then your priorities aren't in the right order. There are days when I just feel lazy, and I don't want to do anything... and I think that's okay, once in awhile- maybe even once a week. But how often does it happen? Could you imagine if your spouse felt lazy as much as you did sometimes on the job? Would they still have a job? Since I'm at home, and it's winter, often times I found myself staying in my pj's a majority of the day until I was done cleaning- then I would shower and get myself ready. Recently I have been showering and putting some makeup on, even wearing something decent- it makes for a less lazy day. Something that is always in my mind, is that God is always watching. You're spouse may not see you working- at home or at the job- but God does. Everything you do- whether in abundance or in lack is seen by Him. If we keep a mind set that we aren't working for our spouse (although it is a way of serving them, just as them going to work is a way they provide and serve us), or for others (like your employer)- but for Him, then it seems to make the day easier and my focus seems to stay on track.
The other issue then, is not becoming weary in doing good. I think this can be frustrating, when you always try to do the right thing, but for some reason it backfires or you don't get credit for what it is you are doing. But again, if you keep in your mind, that God sees everything- done in public or in secret- would you still go on doing good? He will reward you for your obedience and faithfulness to Him. He sees the little and big things you do that go unnoticed. When they go unnoticed, they definitely don't cause pride to puff up in you. Could that be the reason we get frustrated when others don't notice our "good deeds"? We want to be praised by them? If this is the case, then we need to surrender that sin to God. He is the only approval we need, and maybe what you are doing is going unnoticed because He wants you to realize the intention of your heart. "Do not grow weary in doing good."
- Leanne
VERSE TO MEMORIZE
Verse 13
- Do not grow weary in doing good.
Topic: Chapter 3
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