Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

20 October 2025

Reading From II Thessalonians 3

“We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.  Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.  And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed.  Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.—II Thessalonians 3:11-15

This passage reminds me of the saying, “idle hands are the devil’s playground.” I agree with this sentiment. To be about our Father’s business leaves less time and energy for sinful pursuits. It’s best to keep our focus on obeying the Great Commandment and fulfilling the Great Commission of our Lord rather than indulging in laziness and aimless entertainment.

My Great Grandpa said that nothing is worth having that you didn’t earn yourself. Salvation cannot be earned. It is a gift freely given to those who trust, repent, confess and receive Jesus as Savior and Lord. Once we are saved, we have the Holy Spirit living within us and the work we do should be done in His wisdom and strength to the glory of the Father. God does not want His sons and daughters to be freeloaders. We should work hard and honor the Lord in doing so. The profits we earn should be used to take care of those we’re responsible for and shared with those less fortunate than we are.

It is interesting to me that Paul tells us to observe others to see who obeys the Lord’s commands and who does not. We are not to pretend nothing is wrong and just allow uninhibited fellowship. People in the church need to know it’s not ok to live in open rebellion against the way of life laid out in Scripture and still call themselves Christian. T

he Bible tells us how to warn fellow believers. We are to express love for them by praying and approaching them one on one. If that doesn’t work, take a brother or sister along and try again to reason with them. The next step is to bring it before the church and the last step is to remove them from fellowship until they repent and are restored. Restoration of healthy, righteous relationship should always be the goal.

“God, thank You for the wisdom of Your Word. I pray that You would convict Your people of sin. Lead us by Your love forward in faith. May we work hard with Your strength and power propelling us in the right direction. Where course correction is needed for Your people, please bring it Lord in Your gentle way. In the Name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.”

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.—Colossians 3:23-24

But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.—I Timothy 5:8

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.—Ephesians 4:28