While there are uncountable lessons we need today, there are a few we could learn that would make life much easier and give our testimony more value. In I Thessalonians 4:11-12, Paul teaches the Thessalonians a lesson we desperately need today.
He teaches them in verse 11 that they need to be quiet. This is about living peaceful lives. In Romans 12:18, Paul gives this same instruction. We are to live peaceful lives as much as possible. We are to obey the laws of the land unless they are against what God’s word teaches. Being a law-abiding citizen is a good testimony and will gain us a hearing with many others. The word “study” in this verse is the Greek word philotimeomai. It means that we are to love being an honorable person. We are to live above reproach. We are not to engage in mob activity allowing ourselves to be linked with those who are not behaving in a Christlike manner.
The next instruction was to take care of their own business and to work for their own needs. This is further explained in Paul’s second letter to them. In II Thessalonians 3:11, he tells them not to be busybodies. He also rebukes them for not working. Working was one of the instructions he had given them in the first letter.
I Thessalonians 4:11 “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;”
Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
II Thessalonians 3:11 “For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.”
The purpose for the Christ-like behavior Paul asks of them is given in verse 12. They are to walk or behave honestly in their business dealings, and they are to exhibit character traits that are above reproach in all their dealings with others. So they can influence and win those that are without. Those that are without are the unsaved, or those who were once in the fellowship of the church but are no longer attending. Keeping this kind of attitude and action will keep them from being a stumbling block to others. Paul wrote in I Corinthians 8:9, that we are to pay careful attention to our behavior so that we are not an excuse for others to do wrong. We need to think before we act. We need to make sure our actions cannot be misconstrued and give others an excuse to sin. I have witnessed too many people who used the habits of Christians as an excuse for their own. Their words were “What I’m doing is no worse than what they are doing, if they are going to Heaven so am I.” While their evaluation of how you get to Heaven is wrong, they should be able to look at our lives as an example of what pleases God. We are to live a life that is holy and peaceable. A life that is honoring to Christ. A life that is an example of what Jesus would do.
I Thessalonians 4:12 “That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.”
I Corinthians 8:9 “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.”
These words from Paul to the early Christians are just as important for us today. Millions are going to hell for all eternity because Christians have not given the right testimony. We have yielded to the pressures of the world to fall right in line with the prideful actions of demanding our rights. Many have not dealt honestly with others and many others do not work to support themselves or their families. The travesty of Christianity in America is our proclamation that we are Christians, but our actions are no different than those that are unsaved. We have allowed the world to filter into the church and we no longer can have a sanctifying influence on the world. Where do you stand in these matters? Examine yourself and ask God to show you where you can make changes to make a difference for Him.
