CHRIST IS WHO WE NEED TO FOLLOW

 If You Don't Work You Don't Eat

(2 Thessalonians 3:6-13)

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. (2 Corinthians 3:10-11)

Yes, the apostle Paul says, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat” (v. 10). He command those who are hanging around doing nothing to get back to work and earn a living doing what God planned for them on this earth. He says, “Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat” (v. 12). By doing this and following my example, as I seek to follow Jesus, you to should be seeking to follow Him

"But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing." (v.13). As a new believer, after finally finding and understanding the power I had in Jesus through the Holy spirit, I began looking for good roll models to look up to and learn from. Of course I took Pauls advise and slowly learned from the word of God that Jesus was the pattern of life these men should be displaying. 

It seems as though we learn both good and bad stuff from those we watch and at times try to be like. So we can, based on those we learn from learn wholesome good stuff, or on the other hand we can learn unwholesome stuff "bad". Often in the new testament we are encouraged as Jesus followers to look at faithful servants of God to look at these faithful servants a good role models. Read (2 Thessalonians 3:9; Hebrews 13:7; 3 John 1:11)

In 2 Thessalonians 3, we are not to imitate slackers and or those who go around disturbing the peace, those with a lifestyle that doesn't involve working for a living (v. 6, 11) but rather we are to imitate those who are displaying integrity that was also found in him and the other leaders (vv. 7-10). Plus he encouraged them to “never tire of doing what is good” (v. 13).

As I tell you this, please understand that Paul knew that he needed to be following Christs examples of living, if he was going to tell you to follow his examples. (1 Corinthians 11:1).  Because only by following Christ’s examples of faith, and receiving His power through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, can we grow in grace and wisdom.

Friends, take time to think about who, other than Jesus Christ Himself, has been a good role model for you over your life time. For me, I have had many, mostly men, but some women as well. Those who displayed the character of Jesu to you. In the process than kGod for them today. Then think about who it is, that you need to be a role model for today, your children, your grandchildren, the youth in your church, who might be looking up to you as a role model. 

Lets pray - Father God, Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending Jesus to be the ultimate example of a life that pleases you.And thank you for those people who were follower of. Jesus you placed in my path as good Christian role models to help me come to the place where I am in you today. They pointed me to you and helped me learn how to live for Jesus, and what it mean to live in the Power of the Holy Spirit. in your love and in your grace, Lord I give all of the glory to you.  It is in your name I pray AMEN.