In ministry, do you ever grow weary and wonder if anything that you are doing for Christ is making a difference? Perhaps you are working in a jail ministry and even though many are presenting an appearance of sincerity while in the meetings and yet, they leave and toss their Bible in the trashcan as they leave the jail. The next time you see them is the next time they are back in jail. Or, perhaps like I, you get up and write a message and post it; only to wonder if anyone ever reads it and if so, does it make a difference in the life of anyone. Or, perhaps you have taken on the task of helping a homeless family in the name of Christ; yet, the more you help-the more they want and they won’t even consider the option of trying to work. In fact, maybe they have even stolen from you instead? Your heart was right, you wanted to bring God Glory and point them to Christ; yet, now you hesitate and wonder if you should try again? Your financial resources have run thin and then you wonder, "How did I get it so wrong? Or did I?"
It would appear that a similar dilemma had presented itself in the early Thessalonian Church. There would appear that some had joined the church to be fed by the church while at the same time going about performing disruptive behaviors and being busybodies. The church needed to know what to do. So what were the steps that Paul outlined for the Church to help them in this dilemma of presenting grace without becoming the target of misuse by others?
2 Thessalonians 3: Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Step #1: Pray that the word of the Lord might go forth to fulfill God’s purpose and that God might be glorified. Prayer is your first weapon and the Bible your word of truth to protect you.
Step #2: Remember that evil does surround you; but God is faithful to keep you from evil.
Step #3: Patiently awaiting the return of Christ. Always keep your heart focused upon the fact that this entire life is but a blink of the eye compared to eternity. Like some of you joggers, always press forward to get to the end of the next block, then the next block until you have completed the course.
Step #4: Separate yourself from those who only create havoc. Ok this is where it gets touchy. Lets say you reach out to help someone in need (which as a Christian you should). But do them a favor and ask they do some type of work in return for your generosity and grace. If they continuously have excuses and demonstrate no gratefulness you may have to walk away; not in anger or frustration, but gently say no. Then through prayer and faith, trust God to lead your heart as to when to leave and when to continue to help. There may be times when He does say stay; but let God be the guide. After all, only He knows the outcome.
Step #5: Do not grow weary in well doing. Remember that your labor is a labor for God and God only. You may never see the fruits of that labor here on earth; but, if all that you do is done for Christ, one day when you stand before Him you will see the fruits magnified as you lay them at His feet. So, keep writing, keep teaching, and keep allowing Christ to live through you. Only God knows how He can use your labors to His Glory.
Step #6: Let God’s peace fill your heart through faith alone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0c7nWGheQk