Where There’s Blayze

In 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, Paul takes a strong stance against idleness, urging Christians to live intentionally, diligent in their work and focused on the greater purpose of their faith. This passage can challenge us as it raises important questions about what it means to live each day in faithful anticipation of Christ’s return.

Paul’s message to the Thessalonians is clear: keep away from those who are idle, as idleness undermines the example of faith we are called to live out. But why is Paul so firm about this? What is it about “idleness” that leads Paul to warn believers to distance themselves from it? And more importantly, what does this look like in our own lives?

A Personal Reflection on Idleness

This topic of idleness hits close to home. I remember a time when, like the Thessalonians, I let my own sense of complacency creep into my work. Growing up, I took pride in my work ethic. From an early age, I always had some kind of job, whether it was delivering newspapers at dawn or working shifts at Co-op. Even when I went off to Bible college I worked in the kitchens there as a pot washer as well as at a local pub as a bartender. All to help finance my student accommodations and social life. But looking back, all these roles had structured routines, clear expectations, and built-in accountability, making it easy to stay motivated.

My first ministry role as a youth and families worker in the Anglican Church, however, came with much more freedom. The schedule wasn’t dictated, and the work wasn’t always structured, which required a level of self-discipline I hadn’t yet developed. My first two weeks in the position brought with it a purposefully vague timetable that had prearranged meetings designed to introduce me to key individuals and groups. The expectation, like for all ministry roles, was that I would work to fill my time around these few basic commitments. React to what I was learning and then take some initiative. Yet without specific tasks each day, I simply drifted, only attending the specifically scheduled meetings and ignoring everything else. This meant I did very little work. I wouldn’t look at my emails nor turn my phone on unless I was working. My limited time actually working meant I rarely looked at emails or returned calls. I wasn’t living up to the role I’d accepted, and eventually, that led to a loss of trust. Like Paul’s warning in Thessalonians, the leadership team eventually “kept away” from me, ending my two-year contract prematurely. Though it was a tough lesson, that experience showed me how idleness can strain relationships and hinder our witness.

From then on, I took a new approach, especially in my next role with the Methodist Church. I fully committed myself, pouring into every meeting, every outreach, every service opportunity. My goal was to never again let idleness shape how others saw me or my commitment to ministry. And the result? A community that trusted me because they saw my consistent commitment to the work and to serving faithfully. I practically lived at that church, to the point that if I was ever not in attendance at something, no one ever questioned whether I was working hard enough. They assumed I was either busy elsewhere, or was taking some much needed time off. 

How we present ourselves effects how we are viewed by others. I was able to turn myself around while working in the Anglican Church, but it was too late. Despite the many hours I put into trying to demonstrate that they could trust me, they saw a lack of passion. I don’t blame them for this. Surely if I had been more passionate about the role and the ministry I would have worked harder from the outset. It didn’t matter that I was now working hard, I had been a poor witness to my own passions to spread the Gospels to youth and families in that area. They still loved me as a brother in Christ, but as Paul suggests in his letter to the Thessalonians, they sought to distance themselves from me. Why would they want someone in a representative role for their church who seemed to lack passion. Our idleness directly effects how others perceive our passions.

Paul’s Message to the Thessalonians: The Challenge of Living with Purpose

Paul’s message to the Thessalonian church is rooted in a similar call to responsibility and integrity. On the surface, it might seem that Paul is simply cautioning against laziness, telling believers to avoid those who are idle. But there’s more here than meets the eye.

The Thessalonians lived with a strong expectation that Christ’s return was imminent. Many believed that Jesus would come back within their lifetimes, leading some to abandon their work entirely. Rather than staying diligent, they relied on others to support them. This may sound extreme, but history has seen similar responses to end-times predictions. Consider the turn of the year 2000, when fears of an imminent apocalypse led many to sell all they owned, believing they were readying themselves for Christ’s return. When nothing happened, they were left without resources, relying on others to support them.

Paul sees this same issue in Thessalonica and responds firmly. He’s clear that while waiting for the Lord is important, it’s not an excuse to neglect our daily responsibilities or become dependent on others. Paul writes, “For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it” (2 Thessalonians 3:7-8). Paul, though he could have accepted support as an apostle, worked to support himself, providing an example to the Thessalonians of faith lived out in active service. He wanted to always be a blessing to those around him rather than a burden. 

What Does It Mean to Wait Faithfully for Christ’s Return?

If we knew for certain that Christ would return next week, how would we live differently? Would we continue with our routines or make drastic changes?

Jesus Himself speaks to the uncertainty of His return in Matthew 24:36, saying, “But about that day or hour no one knows.” Paul’s teaching to the Thessalonians aligns with this uncertainty, encouraging them—and us—to live as if Christ is already here, working “as to the Lord” (Colossians 3:23) in every task. Rather than waiting passively, Paul calls us to work with diligence, letting our lives and our actions be a witness to the faith we profess.

In waiting for Christ’s return, our lives shouldn’t come to a standstill. Instead, we’re invited to continue serving, loving, and sharing the Gospel with those around us, showing that our faith isn’t just about what we believe but about how we live every day.

Reflecting on Our Own Lives: A Call to Diligence and Integrity

In light of Paul’s words, it’s worth asking ourselves: what do others see in our actions? Do they see people who are dedicated, passionate, and purposeful? Do they see a faith that moves us to work with integrity, or a faith that’s left in idle anticipation?

Paul worked so that no one could accuse him of taking advantage of others. He wanted his life to be an example of self-sufficiency and dedication to Christ. He tells the Thessalonians, “We worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you” (2 Thessalonians 3:8). His work was a way of living out the Gospel message and demonstrating that faith is active, not passive.

Living in faithfulness means that we can become a witness to Christ’s transforming power, whether in the small acts of our daily work or in our long-term commitments. And it’s through this consistency that we earn trust and credibility, both within our church communities and in our wider lives.

Conclusion: A Faith in Action, Not in Idleness

Paul’s message to the Thessalonians is a powerful reminder that faith calls us to action, not idleness. Waiting for Christ’s return isn’t about sitting back but about making the most of every moment, working diligently, and living purposefully.

When we live with intention and commitment, we embody the love, patience, and strength of Christ Himself. And that witness has the power to inspire and draw others closer to the Gospel.

So, let us each take Paul’s words to heart, remembering that every moment is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love. Rather than seeking shortcuts or relying on others, may we work “with toil and labor,” as Paul did, showing the world a faith that’s alive, active, and joyfully engaged in the work of the kingdom.