When I say the word "busybody" what comes to mind? In a men's devotion, I feel safe in saying that most of us picture a woman of some kind, who makes others' business her own and uses the phone or other medium to share what she's learned. Of course, it's information. As they said on "Hee-Haw," "You'll never hear one of us repeating gossip, so you better be sure and listen close the first time."
So, explain to me this. Why does Paul, in the passage used from 2 Thessalonians 3 for yesterday's devotion, speak to us saying this: "Now, we command you brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.... For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Chris to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.... If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him in order that he may be ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother." ? I note the masculine "brothers" and "him" as Paul describes the offending "busybody."
Might we, over time, have forgotten that men can be as bad at the business of "busybody" as we proclaim women to be? With men, it sometimes involves leaning in and asking the brother, "Hey, you heard why he had to leave his company," as he lifts his head and looks around, signaling this is going to be very juicy, "Let's just say he and his secretary got a little too close."
Paul doesn't give us a good description of what the busybody's offending sin is, other than being a busybody (8th commandment), just that they are no longer working and carrying their fair share, and that they need to quietly go about the work of Jesus Christ.
Paul concludes this with an excellent benediction that we all need to keep in mind as we go about our days. This benediction can serve as a warning if we are about to jump into "busybody" mode, and it can serve as a guide to help us quietly go about the work of Christ: "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all."
Amen
Hope Men's Ministry
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