II Thessalonians III: Busy Bodies or Busybodies

II Thessalonians III

For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. (II Thessalonians 3:11 ESV)

Busy Bodies or Busybodies

The devil loves idle hands, we say.

Maybe this is a part of why we say that.  Those who are busy at real work, do not usually have time to be busybodies.

And not just ditch digging, roof shingling, laundry washing work.  Certainly, physical labor IS work.  But so is the work of reconciliation, that God calls us to.  So is the work of displaying the gospel, preaching with both words and deeds.  So, too, is work of seeking joy in all things, acknowledging and basking in our Lord’s blessings.

Elsewhere, Paul tells us to work out our salvation, and that, too is a form of work that keeps us from being idle.

Any of those kinds of work keep us from too much focus on other people’s lives.  Be busy, and be less of a busybody.

II Thessalonians II: Believe

II Thessalonians II

…in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (II Thessalonians 2:12 ESV)

Believe

My dog snores.  Without medical assistance, so did I.

The difference between my dog and me, at least in THIS case, is not which of us snores… but rather which of us believes we snore, and did something about it.

The difference between a lying politician and myself is not really the issue of honesty.  While we might differ in degree, we are both liars.  The difference is that I believe the Christ saves me from my lies.

The difference between a greedy money-grubbing thief and me is not really the issue of our greed.  While we might differ in degree, we are both greedy.  The difference is that I believe the Christ saves me from my greed.

The difference between a cursing, foul mouthed gutter dwelling merchant marine and me is not really the issue of our clean mouths.  While we might differ in degree, we both mis-use our tongues.  The difference is that I believe the Christ saves me from my crudeness and blasphemy.

God has many reasons to condemn sinners.  But because He provides a single beautiful answer to our sin, the reason that He DOES condemn is a lack of belief in His Son, the Messiah, the Interceder, the Redeemer.

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.

II Thessalonians I: It is YOU

II Thessalonians I

…the rebellion comes first… (II Thessalonians 2:3 ESV)

It’s YOU

I ‘inherited’ from my father an old cabinet radio that was able to tune in around a dozen bands of radio waves… from short wave to FM and everything in between.

I also, at that time, imagined myself a bit of an electronic technician, well beyond my twelve years of age. 

Two of the band-choices did not work.  Even before I started tinkering with the radio.  But I soon discovered that I could not fix it without first breaking it.

So I broke it.

As it happened, I never was able to put it back together correctly.

But the concept was still there.  To fix something, it first has to be broken.

The same is true for Christians.  While many people might read Paul’s writing here to primarily be talking about end-times, I do not.  As I read it, Paul is mostly talking about OUR need for fixing, restoration, redemption, and salvation.

And that starts, from our perspective, with an awareness that we need help.

Our rebellion against God, and our admission of it, is the starting place of our salvation.

Sure, think a bit of some sort of end-times if you want to… but far more urgent, relevant, and important is YOUR end-time.

Know you are broken, so Christ can fix you.

I Thessalonians IV: Holiness

I Thessalonians IV

For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. (I Thessalonians 4:7 ESV)

Holiness

Few people want to be known these days as Holy.

An insult for anyone, even Christians, would be to be called “holier than thou.”

But that is very strange.

Because God’s people are called to be Holy. 

Yet we do not like to be noticed for being holy.  We do not want the scowls and sneers of the world directed towards us.

Perhaps because we have so often acted UN-holy in our attitude towards those times we ‘get it right.’  We brag, we seem snooty and superior.  We forget everything about the source of OUR holiness. 

And our neighbors (and the world) do take note, and it is not attractive.

Holiness is not ugly.  Not when it is really holiness… which requires humility, caring, generosity, selflessness, kindness, and Christlikeness.

When we get better at that kind of holiness, it will be grand.

And maybe our society will stop lifting up impurity.

I Thessalonians III: Not About You

I Thessalonians

 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy. (I Thessalonians 2:19-20 ESV)

Not About You

One would think that the Apostle Paul would have a few things to boast about when his life was over.  Humbly, of course… but he could point out his sacrificial missions trips.  He could recall his clever arguments before governments and hecklers.  He could remember his intelligence, his education, and his writing skills.

And of course, he could boast in the Lord, as he describes in I Corinthians 1:31.

But Paul finds glory and joy in his spiritual children.

Not in a braggy way.  But Paul, from the end of his training in Arabia after his conversion has had only one thing on his mind.  Introducing others to his savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Can’t you see him sitting around a coffee shop, describing the progress his church folk are making in walking with the Lord?  Can’t you see him praying to the boss, giving thanks for the chance to work with believers willing to learn from him?  Can’t you see him eventually smiling while watching heaven’s gates? 

I can.

Paul’s life was not about himself.  And ours shouldn’t be, either.

I Thessalonians II: Pre-Assembled

I Thessalonians II

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. (I Thessalonians 1:4,5 ESV)

Pre-Assembled

I would like to own a hurdy-gurdy.  It is an unusual instrument that could be seen as a bagpipe for strings.  A couple of drones, and a couple of melody strings. 

Hurdy-gurdies are rare… and those who own them have gotten them in one of two ways.  Most people purchase a kit, and do the difficult but rewarding job of putting their hurdy-gurdy together in just the way they desire.

But more and more, players are purchasing pre-made hurdy-gurdies.

It arrives at their door already put together, and ready to make (somewhat) beautiful music.

Many Christians attempt to put together our own faith and relationship with God.

We work hard at it, are encouraged by some gains, and struggle through many shortcomings.

But making our faith on our own like that does NOT work.

It comes from God.  And it comes pre-assembled!

We cannot, in fact, make it ourselves at all.

But we arrive in God’s family completely by God’s work, through Jesus’ life, death, and life again.  He provides the necessary changes, the power, the connection, and the foundation.

It is all Him.

And that makes beautiful music, indeed.

I Thessalonians I: Chosen

I Thessalonians I

For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you. (I Thessalonians 1:4 ESV)

Chosen

Whenever I was picked at school for the kickball team, the dodgeball team, the baseball team, or the Red Rover team, it was never because of any athletic skill I possessed.  Because I did not possess any.

I was usually picked last.  Or nearly last. 

Unless the selector was one of my particular friends.

On those occasional occasions, I was picked because I was loved.

It might not have seemed fair… early elementary school nepotism… but it warmed my heart.

God’s choice works the same way.  He does not need me on His team.  He knows my faults, my brokenness, my unreliability, my bad decisions, my sins… but He loves me.

And so He chooses me.  Not instead of anyone else.  Not in comparison to anyone else.  Not out of practical preference.

But because He loves me.

Every one of God’s people is in that exact place, on this same team.

He chooses because He loves.

Colossians VII: The Lynchpin

Colossians VI

…bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Colossians 3:13? ESV)

The Lynchpin

The most important part of my pencil is the lead.  Certainly, lead is not the only part, or the most visible part, or the most attractive part.  But without the lead, a pencil is just an empty wood sliver that you can poke things with.

The most important part of Christianity is forgiveness.  God’s forgiveness of His people.  Christ’s active forgiveness through His perfect life, and sacrificial death. And the resulting forgiveness on our part.

Other parts of Christianity are important, too, of course. 

But the lynchpin is forgiveness.

It holds our relationship to God together.  Without His forgiveness, we have no relationship. 

It holds our relationships with each other together.  Without forgiveness, we have no relationships.

Forgive.

Colossians VI: Continuity

Colossians VI

Luke, the beloved physician greets you.  (Colossians 4:14 ESV)

Continuity

Many authors and writers, when they produce multiple works, include connections between their stories.  Stephen King writes more and more of his popular stories in overlapping locations…. most of them in a small Maine town.  Marvel Comics often has crossover events including characters from various story lines.  And director John Hughes included many Easter Eggs (small often unnoted events or items) in his films that provides subtle connections between them.

And the author of Scripture, the Holy Spirit, does the same thing.  While the Bible is sixty-six individual books, it is also one book.  And that often provides connections between the events and concepts.

Luke is known from the book of Acts, and from authorship of the Gospel According to Luke… and here he shows up in Colossians, as well!

Because the Bible is one book.  And the message in it is one message.  And the God it comes from is One True God.

Colossians V: Practical Stuff

Colossians IV

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.  (Colossians 3:2 ESV)

Impractical Stuff

It is popular to accuse some folk of being “so heavenly minded they are no earthly good.”  I think I understand this accusation, but adherence to this concept can actually be spiritually dangerous.

When we are earthly minded, earthly motivated, earthly comfortable, our minds no longer attach to Christ.

In fact, every thought, every word, every deed needs to be heavenly aimed.

In fact, every thought, every word, every deed needs to be founded on things above.

In fact, every thought, every word, every deed needs to be focused on things above.

In fact, every thought, every word, every deed needs to be understood in the light of things above.

In THAT way… be more impractical!

Colossians IV: Impractical Stuff

Colossians IV

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.  (Colossians 3:2 ESV)

Impractical Stuff

It is popular to accuse some folk of being “so heavenly minded they are no earthly good.”  I think I understand this accusation, but adherence to this concept can actually be spiritually dangerous.

When we are earthly minded, earthly motivated, earthly comfortable, our minds no longer attach to Christ.

In fact, every thought, every word, every deed needs to be heavenly aimed.

In fact, every thought, every word, every deed needs to be founded on things above.

In fact, every thought, every word, every deed needs to be focused on things above.

In fact, every thought, every word, every deed needs to be understood in the light of things above.

In THAT way… be more impractical!

Colossians III: Fun Distractions

Colossians III

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8 ESV)

Fun Distractions

Many years ago, a friend and I rebuilt a 1965 Chevrolet Panel Truck.  In today’s jargon, it was an SUV.  We bought it cheap, and planned to upgrade the engine, refinish the exterior, and pep up the interior.

It was our summer project.  We planned to use all of our spare time (we each had paying summer jobs) and sell it in September for a profit, after learning some things about mechanics, painting, and decorating.

We were successful, but over the summer we had a lot of arguments.

Was it worthwhile replacing all of the interior lights with faux chandeliers?  Did we really need to individually polish each lug nut? How many coats of dark blue pain were really required to create the illusion of deep water? Should we carpet the ceiling as well as the floor and walls of the back chamber? 

And as we researched, we found ourselves distracted by so many new areas of knowledge.  Which motor oil is best for which season? What is the exact amount of air pressure for the rear tires, as opposed to the front? Which shades of blue and off-white best create the appearance of water moving? What style of seat would impress the girls of our school? Or not?

None of those decisions or areas of knowledge were a waste of time.  But most of them were distractions from our intended goal. 

So, too, are many of the things on which we spend time.  College football is entertaining, but it might be a stretch to explain how it improves my walk with Jesus.  Evaluating the latest Internet Conspiracy Theory might seem like a search for truth, but it rarely leads to more knowledge of God’s Amazing Grace.  Learning four new ties for fly casting might improve your peace and relaxation at some point, but it does not easily lead to a better grasp of Christ’s peace.

Those things are not bad, evil, or a waste.

But they might be a distraction for you.  Evaluate your use of time by seeing how readily such things shine a light on Jesus… and then figure out how to shine MORE, or find better reflectors.

Colossians II: Creator

Colossians II

For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16 ESV)

Creator

The Trinity is complicated.  But we do not aid our understanding by viewing the three-in-one and one-in-three as a matter of job description.

Take creation, for example.  Somehow, we have the idea (and I blame medieval and modern art) that our universe was created by a grandfatherly God the Father… hovering somewhere in a vague heavenly atmosphere with a hand extended, a finger pointing, and a universe suddenly blinking into existence, in six portions… and then a nap.

But we see something different in this verse.  Christ, King Jesus, the One whose hands eventually were formed in excited Mary’s womb, somehow was the means and purpose of creation. 

The picture of Jesus found in the book of Revelation matters here.  Think of this description, somehow existing way back on the days of creation: and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around His chest. The hairs of His head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire,  His feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of many waters.  In His right hand He held seven stars, from His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and His face was like the sun shining in full strength. (Revelation 1:13-16 ESV)

The Second Person of the Trinity was amazing long before the wonderful cross, resurrection, and ascension.  Creation itself was for Him, by Him, and through Him.

Every time you notice something amazing about creation… whether a snowstorm, a sunrise, a volcano, a newly born calf, a budding rose, a cascading waterfall, a transformed butterfly, or your favorite tree, think of the Christ-creator.  He did that.  It was done for Him.

Wow.

Colossians !: Good Prayers

Colossians I

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.  (Colossians 1:3 ESV)

Good Prayers

These days, a good prayer is a prayer that is a full list of requests.  When the pastor leads in a congregational prayer, the prayer is deemed acceptable if he mentions my favorite prayer request.  Prayer has even come to mean, basically, a request.

But Paul, when praying, did a lot of thanking.

In fact, when praying for the probably troubled church in Colossae, he did not claim to always list their needs and pray for their peace…. but Paul did say that he always gave thanks for them.

Of course I would not suggest that we stop praying for each other.

But Paul seems to suggest that when we pray for each other, we do more thanking.

Not even necessarily more thanking than asking…

But simply more thanking.

Philippians VI: Most Things

Philippians VI

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 ESV)

Most Things

An old friend of mine told the story of an unfortunate page break in his personal Bible.  Reading along with Paul’s words, he found, “I can do all things!” and there the page ended.

“NO,” my friend cried out.  “Paul, you silly ninny (he was an aged friend, and people talked like that…) You can not do ALL THING!!!!  Maybe you can do some things!  Or most things…

And then he turned the page.

To the most important phrase.

“through Him who strengthens me.”

We might laugh at my friend’s naivete.

But I wonder how often we think that Paul’s incomplete statement is a good description of how we live, how we make decisions, how we react to crises, and how we believe.

Philippians V:

Philippians V: What’s On Your Mind

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

What’s On Your Mind

It seems lately that we, whether Christian or not, have re-written this passage.

We say, instead, when considering what things we should think about:

Whatever is successful (instead of honrable)…

Whatever is fair in my mind (instead of just)…

Whatever feels good (instead of pure)…

Whatever is fun (instead of lovely)…

Whatever is popular (instead of commendable)…

Whatever is good enough (instead of excellence)…

Whatever I can get away with (instead of worthy of praise)…

Let’s think better.  Let’s think Scripturally.

Let’s think like Jesus.

Philippians IV: Peace, First and Last

Philippians IV

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 ESV)

Peace First and Last

Winning is one of modern culture’s primary idols.  Victory is the goal. Victory at all costs.  Victory wins.

But winning does not lead to peace.  Winning leads to the next fight.

Peace, here, is described as not merely being better than understanding, but the goal of understanding. Peace (God’s peace) surpasses understanding because it is WHY God’s people need understanding. And peace with God is HOW God’s people receive understanding.

When we understand God, we stop fighting against Him, and find peace.  When we understand God, we stop fighting against His actions in the world, and find peace.  When we understand God, we stop fighting against His will in the world, and find peace.

But understanding does not mean brain-knowledge.  We understand God because we have a relationship (THE relationship) with the Messiah, Christ Jesus.

Best of all, peace can happen now.  God intends us to have peace now.  Not after the fight of our life is done… but surpassing the fight of our life, just like it surpasses understanding.

Winning is not everything.  Whether an argument around the kitchen table,  or a Karate Kid championship. 

But peace, God’s peace… is everything.

Philippians III: Rubbish

Philippians III

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him. ( Philippians 3:8 ESV)

Rubbish

It sort of hurts my feelings when someone does not like something that is important to me.  When people make fun of Star Trek, I cringe.  When others dispute that a Republic is a grand form of government, I frown.  When weirdos do not like bacon, I cringe.

But Jesus Christ is on a whole different level of importance.

No matter how important Star Trek might be, Jesus is more than any entertainment.  No matter how important any form of earthly government might be, Jesus is THE KING.  No matter how important any food might be, Jesus is the Bread of Life.

Sometimes we think it is enough to be willing to surrender all things in service to Jesus.

But really, if we are aware of how rich His sacrificial love was for us; if our love for Him is a full response of His love for us; if we know that all that we are is His, all that we Have is His, all that we know is His…  than we already have given up all those other things!

By declaring that He is always more important.

By using those things for His glory.

By enjoying those things because they ultimately come from Him.

And when we remember how much MORE He is than any of those things… we can see, at times, that compared to Him, they are rubbish.

Which has more to do with how amazing HE is, than how trashy our things are.

Philippians II: What, Me Suffer?

Philippians II

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, (Philippians 1:29 ESV)

What, Me Suffer?

I joined the Grand Rapids Rock and Mineral Society when I was around 13 because I expected it to benefit me.  As it turned out, I did not gain much Rock stuff… but I DID end up with many babysitting opportunities.

I accepted a job at a Chemical Manufacturing company because I expected to make some money.  As it turned out, I did for a while, but then the company drove itself into the ground.  But I DID get to move to another part of the country, found and attended a seminary, and started a new direction in life.

How disappointing it might be to hear that Christians can expect to suffer after believing.  Our expectations are that just like a Rock and Mineral Society, or employment, we will receive benefits.

But Paul says that suffering for Christ is granted to us, which means he considers the suffering a blessing.

Paul refers to suffering for the sake of Christ.  This is not suffering because of social cruelty, physical ailments, or broken hearts.  That kind of suffering is not included here.

Instead, following Christ means that we suffer because of Him.  Physical danger for Christians is often a possibility, but those who endure do so for the sake of the advancement of the gospel.  Social suffering can occur when we speak prophetically about the presence of unrighteousness.  Emotional suffering can occur when we experience loss for the gospel, or when we grieve for those who are lost.

And because these things are happening because of our beloved Christ, we can often see that the Kingdom of God benefits.  Evangelism results.  God’s glory is seen. And even spiritual growth (in Christ) occurs.

So yes, we suffer… but Jesus is worth it.

Philippians I: Bucket Lists

Philippians I

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21 ESV)

Bucket Lists

I read recently that over 90% of people’s bucket list items fall into the categories of travel, adventure, and personal growth. 

Paul’s bucket list, described in this verse, is not very modern, is it?

First on Paul’s bucket list is Christ.  Not merely to imitate Christ, not merely to know Christ, not merely to be Christian… but simply Christ.

Christ loved.  Christ served.  Christ lived for His people, completely.  All the way to death, through resurrection, and up to God’s right hand.

Most important for Paul, in Paul’s life… is to love, to serve, to live for God’s people completely.  All the way through Paul’s life until he would die… and through Christ’s gate into heaven… and reigning at Christ’s side.

How different Paul’s bucket list is!

And then, even more surprisingly, as amazing as those life goals are, Paul says that to die is gain.

Death, rather than failure and “the end of it all”, was better than his life, his Christ, his everything.

What a bucket list!