2 Thessalonians 2-3 (ESV) by Wordle*

Today’s reading is 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3:18.

“As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother” (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15).

Nothing is much more discouraging than seeing brethren who disregard the Word of the Lord, especially if their lives don’t seem to be falling apart. I mean, sure, it’s one thing if they are being disobedient but everything is a mess for them. Then we can say, “See, God’s way works and yours doesn’t.” But when they seem to be living the good life, have a good job, looks like a decent family, making lots of money but not putting God first, then we start to get a little discouraged. We begin to wonder, “Does God’s way really work? Their way seems to be working okay.”

Paul says not to be discouraged. Don’t grow weary in doing good even when others around you are not doing good. Instead of letting hypocritical brethren bring you down, take note of them and avoid them. However, don’t be arrogant over them. Don’t treat them like enemies. Rather, warn them like brothers.

Here is the point. Doing good is right no matter the outcome. Doing bad is wrong no matter the outcome. Don’t let what others are doing bring you down. Serve the Lord and avoid those who discourage you with their impenitent sins. Yet, don’t shut the door on them. Rather, shine the light for them to a better way. Above all, stay encouraged that doing the right thing is the right thing. Don’t get tired of that. Just do the next right thing.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

PS. What struck you in today’s reading? You can add your input by clicking here.

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*Today’s illustration was generated by the creative tool at Wordle.net. You can find all my wordles here.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”

II Corinthians 4:7-10 (ESV)

I need this attitude. How easily I get distracted and discouraged in my service to God because things in life aren’t easy. I get sick. Someone gets mad at me. Someone says something unkind. Somebody leaves the congregation. Somebody misunderstands me. These things happen and I get depressed and sometimes wonder why I keep trying. 

But then I remember Paul. He went through real trouble. Shipwrecks, beatings, persecutions, imprisonments, attempts on his life, thorn in the flesh… He kept his head up. He kept on in faith because he could see the big picture. All these things happened, but none of them took salvation away. None of them took heaven away. None of them took the love of God away. 

Sure, bad things happened to him. But the worst thing didn’t happen. God did not forsake Him. God won’t forsake me. God won’t forsake you. 

I think too often we get bogged down about all the blessings we would like but haven’t received that we forget the great blessing we have received. Jesus died for us and washed our sins away. He has reserved a home in heaven for us who are protected by the power of God through faith. I’m not shopping for a car here. What more could I ask for to sweeten this deal any better? 

I just need to keep in mind that the life of Jesus is in me, if I stay in Him and don’t let Satan discourage me and get me to turn my back on my Savior.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC