SCRIPTURE:
“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.”
2 Thessalonians 3:6
OBSERVATION:
Paul made it clear, in fact he commanded them to keep away from every believer who was disruptive and chose not to live according to what they were taught. His command wasn’t towards those who WERE disruptive, but instead to those that continued on with the same pattern of behavior. It was not meant to condemn them, but rather done in love to move their hearts to repentance (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15).
APPLICATION:
As a young believer, there were times when I stuck around some longer than I should have. I mistakenly thought I had to hang out with other believers, just because they were saved, EVEN when they would gossip, cause disruption and problems amongst the body. In fact, there were times when they would make me feel guilty if I tried to pull back.
I thought walking away or in the manner of this verse to “keep away” meant that I was not doing as The Lord called me to do. That in some way they were right in making me feel badly about trying to distance myself. As I grew in my spiritual maturity and read The Bible more, I began to see verses like these that clearly instructed me on what to do.
While there are some I will need to spend time with as they repent and turn from their ways, there will be others who are actively CHOOSING not to live accordingly to the teaching of The Lord. I will need to discern wisely.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have chosen incorrectly in who I should and shouldn’t spend time with. Thank You Lord for Your wisdom and guidance. May I do as You ask me to, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
