We are often afforded some time to rest. I recall some time ago, I felt that my plate was so full that I was not going to make it. I was asked for help by someone in the church and I just knew I had an obligation to say yes. This yes overloaded my plate, or so I thought. Soon after, some task I was in charge of ended, then another, then another, which opened up time to help.
I soon realized that God made it all happen. He wanted to see my obedience to do his work. Once I demonstrated my obedience, he removed something that was in the way of my ability to help another in need.
This is a far cry from looking busy for the sake of those watching.
“11For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:11 (ESV)
We are to be working for Christ, not resting all the time. That constant rest is what drives us to pretending to do work so others can “see” us working. There is no real work being done, only the illusion.
We are to be working for Christ at all times. When we do, we are rewarded with what God has in store. In my case above, a chance to help someone in need, and by the way, I always had what I needed during that time.
“7For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 (ESV)
You see, when serving God, we are going to have to work. We cannot sit idle and wait for God to do it for us. Sitting idle allows for our focus to wander away from God’s work and in order to fill our time, we get involved in the business of others. Staying focused on God’s work keeps us in line with his plan for us. That plan will never be bigger than we can handle and rest will come in God’s time.
Will you focus on God’s work? When someone asks for your help, are you there willing to take it on, knowing that God will provide the time and resources? Are you sticking to the work of God?
Trevor's Thoughts 