PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
May
19
19
Be careful who you hang with
Rod Shimabukuro
Scripture
[13]As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. [14]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. [15]Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15
Observation
This is a pretty sobering and stern directive by Paul. Don’t get tired of guiding, teaching or correcting those who are disobeying good - the good instruction Paul is giving involving those who are idle, lazy and getting in other people’s affairs. As Christians, we must be active and initiate being involved in warning the people that aren’t obeying the Lord. It can be draining though. What if they aren’t listening, obeying? If they refuse to change their ways and attitudes - then don’t hang out with them. In fact, have nothing to do with them.
Application
It’s in situations like these that people can tend to turn their backs on us as shepherd-leaders. When we direct, give counsel and instruct the disobedient yet they refuse to obey or follow through doing what is right. Personally, the warning for me is NOT TO TREAT THEM AS AN ENEMY. My attitude is not always god-like. I tend to want to give up on people, regarding them as disrespectful, disobedient and ignorant Christians. But I must still treat these folks as Christian family.
There’s another warning, that I must not tolerate Christians who are willfully disobeying Paul’s commands here in 2 Thess. 3. I’d better be careful who I am choosing to hang out with - especially if they are crossing the lines of willful disobedience.
There’s another warning, that I must not tolerate Christians who are willfully disobeying Paul’s commands here in 2 Thess. 3. I’d better be careful who I am choosing to hang out with - especially if they are crossing the lines of willful disobedience.
Prayer
Dear Jesus -Thank you for not throwing me away so to weak - disregarding and giving up on me. Especially when I’m disobedient and disloyal in Your sight. Help me to be like You in heart, attitude and the way I choose to respond to people who disregard my counsel (Your counsel through me).I love you Lord Jesus!
