2 Thessalonians 3:13-18

"Don't Throw in the Towel" - 2 Thess. 3:13-18

In this last section of 2 Thess. 3, as we finish out the letter, Paul has called attention to a group of freeloaders who have disrupted the peace and unity of the community. They were spending their energy as "takers" in a community of "givers" and are having a negative influence. The goodness of some was being exploited by the laziness of others. That can be really discouraging.

If you are like me, and I believe you are, you have had times when you have been frustrated, being surrounded by people who look out only for themselves. It makes you wonder, "Is it worth it?" Also, you might say, "Why bother, if we work hard to do good for others only to get criticized by some and taken advantage of by others." It is tempting to shut the door of home and heart and withdraw into our own selfish world.

If that's you, Paul says, "Don't do it!" Don't give up or throw in the towel. You can still spend your energy in doing good. I don't want to be like everyone else....I want to be like Jesus! The classic quote commonly attributed to Edmund Burke applies here. "All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."

So, what about the lazy freeloaders? What do we do with them? How do we handle the situation? As usual, the answer might surprise and challenge you! Read ahead if you so desire, and then....

.....VIEW AND SEE!

Steve